WEBINAR Recording: Anchor Institutions and Public Policy Toward Just and Equitable Communities
Anchor Institutions and Public Policy Toward Just and Equitable Communities Webinar
April 19, 2021
During this webinar, we discussed our latest AITF policy brief, Pursuing Just and Equitable Communities, and the roles of anchor institutions in local communities especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were joined by our two panelists, Tanisha Jumper (City of Tacoma, Wash.) and Kinnard Wright (HUD).
Key takeaways from this webinar include:
The AITF policy brief brings to the forefront opportunities for collaborative relationships between cities and anchor partners to solve cross-sector problems, which can also help form a foundation for policy, funding, and resources.
The COVID-19 pandemic has, in some cases, helped show the strength of the relationships between anchor institutions and their city governments, as well as these partnerships’ ability to adjust to current realities. Part of these strengths is the ability to transition quickly to combat pandemic-related concerns as they arise.
The federal government is continuing to recognize how anchor institutions are able to direct needed resources to communities. This recognition could form a pathway to further engagement between the federal government and anchor institutions by way of local governments.
Moving into the recovery phase of the pandemic, anchor institution partnerships can focus on operational dollars and practices, investments in local economy, collective policy advocacy, and continuous information-sharing.
To engage in cross-sector alliances, anchors need to showcase how they fit into the goals of what government is trying to accomplish. Governments need to find solutions to problems at local levels and leverage work with anchor institutions to do so.
About the panel
Dr. David Maurrasse
Dr. David Maurrasse is the Founder and President of Marga Incorporated and serves as the Director of the Anchor Institutions Task Force which is an action-oriented learning community promoting the engagement of enduring institutions in community and economic development. Read bio >
Tanisha Jumper
Jumper is the Director of Media and Communications for the City of Tacoma which includes oversight of TV Tacoma, Community Engagement and Tacoma 2025, the City wide strategic plan and vision. She is responsible for the implementation plan, and working with community partners and residents.
Kinnard D Wright
Wright is a Senior Grants Specialist at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.