Anchor Institutions Task Force News
July, 2025
AITF Highlights
AITF Annual Event
We are excited to share with you the agenda and registration link for this year’s annual gathering. The AITF Annual Event with the theme, Values in Action, will take place on November 6 from 10am to 3pm Eastern in New York City and the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice. Our content for the event continues to take shape, and we will share more on our speakers in the coming weeks and months. This event will provide an important opportunity to share stories in an action-oriented learning community about the role of anchor institutions in pursuing AITF’s values in collaboration with local partners, particularly in the face of adversity. We look forward to seeing many of you there.
K12 Schools as Anchor Institutions Subgroup
We are pleased to announce a new AITF Subgroup: K12 Schools as Anchor Institutions Subgroup
This Subgroup is a forum for people helping K12 schools become or further develop as anchor institutions. K12 anchor institutions are built on partnerships and advance the health and wellbeing of the entire neighborhood (students, families, staff and all who live in the geographic area). The development and implementation of a K12 school as an anchor institution is a means for
advancing democratic engagement across the community and the democratic development of the school’s students;
advancing the quality of teaching, learning and research at the school and its partners because the students, through the curriculum, are organizers and deliverers of service, not just recipients.
This subgroup is an incubator for promising practices and a space for people to strategize about solving pressing problems. For more information or to join this Subgroup, email: K12anchors@hunter.cuny.edu
Global Context
The dynamics of anchor institutions that endure in their geographic settings over generations and play a vital role in their local communities and economies are global. The Global Cooperation for the Democratic Mission of Higher Education has been exploring these matters particularly regarding the local mission of higher education. On June 3-4, the Global Forum on Higher Education 2025: Renewal of the Democratic and Civic Mission was held in Prague. The event brought together 100 participants from 34 countries across five continents. AITF has historically played a vital role in shaping discussion and priorities in The Global Cooperation and periodic Global Forums. For more on this year’s Forum: Council of Europe Newsroom: "Universities and Democracy: A Global Call to Action in Prague"
New AITF Publication
Sjur Bergan, (Former) Head, Education Department, Council of Europe and AITF Advisory Council member has provided our latest AITF publication. We are very happy to present:
UNIVERSITIES IN TIMES OF CHALLENGES TO DEMOCRACY:
COMBINING THE GLOBAL AND THE LOCAL
This article focuses on the local democratic mission of higher education, seen from a European perspective, as a factor in helping universities and colleges to demonstrate their importance to modern, democratic societies at a time when democracy is coming under increasing pressure in Europe and the United States as well as in other parts of the world. It includes examples of the experiences of European institutions, and discusses the Global Cooperation for the Democratic Mission of Higher Education.
AITF thanks Sjur Bergan for this significant addition to AITF’s portfolio of publications. Please let us know if you would like to write a relevant article for publication by AITF. We look forward to sharing additional publications before the end of the year, including our latest volume in our Leadership series.
Anchor Partnerships Database
A few years ago, AITF launched, what we hope is a useful reference guide for the field: the Anchor Partnerships Database. This database includes examples of cross sector multi-institutional collaborative efforts among anchor institutions in particular localities. We developed this tool because of vital importance of bringing numerous anchor institutions together to combine resources and address pressing challenges in their communities. Our field is dynamic and continually changing. Therefore, we periodically update the database to make sure it is current.
Anchor Fellows
Thanks so much to those who have provided nominations and applications to the Anchor Fellows Program! We are no longer accepting applications for the 2026 cohort. We are reviewing our impressive nominations and applications. We will announce the new cohort this fall.
Stockton University
Thanks very much to Stockton University for providing this issue’s Member Spotlight. Please take a moment to read their story below.
If you have a story you would like to share for a future Spotlight, please let us know. Storytelling that captures both the demonstration of AITF’s values in action and impact of the role of anchor institutions in their communities is absolutely crucial in these times.
AITF Member Spotlight
Stockton University: Living Its Mission Through Place and Partnership
At Stockton University, commitment to place and commitment to collaboration are living principles embedded in our mission and reflected in every initiative that serves South Jersey. As a public institution located within the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve and along the Atlantic coast, Stockton embraces its role as an environmental steward, educational partner and civic collaborator. Our work exemplifies how anchor institutions can drive sustainable regional development while building networks that span education, government and industry.
Commitment to Place: Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Development
Stockton’s physical setting within the protected Pinelands and along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean shapes our institutional identity and priorities. Our academic programs and campus operations reflect deep respect for this unique environment. Through our Sustainability and Environmental Studies majors, students engage directly with local ecological challenges, learning how to balance conservation with community needs. Research initiatives housed in the Marine Field Station and the Coastal Research Centerprovide critical data on shoreline erosion, water quality and marine habitat health. These resources inform both regional policy and national discussions on climate resilience.
Our green campus initiatives reinforce this commitment. Stockton’s LEED® Gold-certified Campus Center sets a high bar for sustainable construction, integrating energy-efficient systems, green roofs, and eco-conscious materials. Across campus, energy conservation measures, stormwater management systems, and green infrastructure projects demonstrate our dedication to reducing environmental impact while educating our community about responsible stewardship.
Commitment to Collaboration: Preparing a Resilient, Civic-Minded Workforce
Stockton’s commitment to South Jersey is also realized through robust collaboration across education, workforce development and economic sectors. We partner with K–12 school districts to expand access to teacher preparation pipelines, and our Southern Regional Institute & Educational Technology Training Center (SRI&ETTC) provides professional development opportunities for preK-12 educators, technology coordinators, school administrators, and other professionals who offer support services to schools. Our articulation agreements with community colleges create seamless pathways into Stockton programs, particularly in high-demand fields like health sciences and social work.
Stockton also works closely with state and regional workforce development boards to align academic offerings with labor market needs. This cross-sector approach ensures our graduates are not only well-prepared academically, but also equipped with the skills and certifications employers seek. Our growing roster of Public-Private Partnerships illustrates this philosophy in action: regional chambers of commerce and business leaders have collaborated with Stockton to co-design internship programs, professional development workshops, and community improvement projects that serve both students and local economies.
A Model of Anchor Impact
Stockton’s efforts exemplify the Anchor Institution Task Force’s vision of place-based leadership through durable, values-driven engagement. Our commitment to place informs and inspires our collaborative strategies because protecting our region's ecosystems goes hand-in-hand with uplifting its people. As we continue to invest in coastal research, environmental education, and workforce readiness, Stockton University remains steadfast in its dedication to the communities, landscapes, and partnerships that define South Jersey.
Resources from the Field
2025 State of the Cities Report Release (Webinar)
Thursday, July 17
11:45 am - 12:15 pm ET via Zoom
The National League of Cities will soon release the 2025 State of the Cities report, a comprehensive look at the priorities, challenges, and innovations shaping America’s cities, towns, and villages in 2025.
Community Ownership and Self-Determination (Report)
The Urban Institute recently published new research exploring community ownership models used by organizations in Atlanta, Boston, Lisjan Territory, and New Orleans. The reported findings indicate that there is growing momentum to build democratically controlled and community-embedded institutions that are culturally centered.
2025 CUMU Conference: The Power of Place
October 26 - 29, 2025
Baltimore, MD
The CUMU Annual Conference brings together higher education practitioners to explore how urban and metropolitan campuses drive regional development, student success, and community impact. Grounded in the host city and developed in partnership with local campuses, the program addresses issues of national and international significance.
ICMA’s 111th Annual Conference
October 25 - 29, 2025
Tampa, FL
Health and philanthropy funders must recognize their role in shaping sustainable systems that not only support organizations in their prime but also provide pathways for responsible transitions and closures. This webinar featured Katya Fels Smyth, Founder and CEO of the Full Frame Initiative (FFI), who shared insights from FFI’s intentional ending.
Independent Sector’s National Summit 2025
October 27 - 29, 2025
Atlanta, GA
Independent Sector’s National Summit 2025 will bring together professionals from across the charitable sector — nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs — to build capacity, enhance knowledge sharing, foster collaboration, expand networking, and support advocacy. Registration is currently open to all.
News & Articles
Renewing Higher Education’s Civic and Democratic Mission in Prague - from Campus Compact
June 26 - The 2025 Global Forum at Charles University convened higher education leaders from across the globe to confront shared challenges to democracy and affirm the public purpose of universities. Through powerful dialogue, international models, and a focus on equity, inclusion, and student agency, the gathering called on institutions to lead with clarity and conviction.
Newly opened Photography Museum of Seoul plans to become a ‘cultural anchor’ for the region - from The Art Newspaper
June 13 - Situated in the Dobung-gu district of South Korea, the Photography Museum of Seoul (Photo-SeMA) is hailed as the country’s first public museum dedicated to photography, and aims to provide a central venue for cultivating and promoting the medium throughout the northeastern region of Seoul.
HoW College launches new partnership to help young people with careers - from Cotsworld Journal
June 1 - In many ways, sport and entertainment are part of the fabric of contemporary UK society. A new partnership between the Heart of Worcestershire (HoW) College and Rubicon Leisure aims to expand career opportunities for students in those fields. HoW College principal and CEO Michael Dowse had this to say about the new three-year collaboration: “As two anchor institutions in the community, it’s great that we now have the opportunity to open doors for our students to explore rewarding careers within hospitality and leisure.”
Associate vice president for public affairs honored as Community Champion by Near West Side Partners - from Marquette Today
May 29 - Near West Side Partners recently held its 10-year anniversary celebration. Rana Altenburg, Marquette University’s associate vice president for public affairs, received the inaugural Community Champion Award for her steadfast work advancing an anchor mission at the school and collaborating with local partners.
What can we learn from cities about water innovation? - from World Economic Forum
May 5 - While water has long been a source of immense opportunity as well as serious conflict, the climate crisis adds urgency to how societies protect and manage the critical resource. Cities like Valencia, Spain and city-state Singapore are experimenting with strategies for solving local challenges around water, and anchor institutions play a role in bringing innovative approaches to scale.
LOUMED Commons project breaks ground on new public park near HSC Campus - from UofL News
May 19 - The Mayor of Louisville joined local anchor institution leaders to break ground on LOUMED Commons, a new public park situated in the heart of the city’s educational and medical district. It is the latest project resulting from sustained investment by Louisville’s anchor institutions, which include University of Louisville, UofL Health, Jefferson Community and Technical College, and Norton Healthcare.
How a community-focused vision for net zero can revive local economies - from The Conversation
May 6 - Anchor institutions are often uniquely positioned to help drive local economic and cultural transformation. In the UK, anchors could play an important role in advancing the country’s transition to a green economy due to their capacity to facilitate a circular economy.
These Museums Are Teaching Us About How Our Cities Work - from Next City
June 18 - As vital anchor institutions in their communities, museums often can play an important role in collective education for local residents as well as visitors. The New York Hall of Science offers an example of how these institutions can connect the dots between policy and lived realities. Its CityWorks exhibit, which opened on May 3, explores the urban planning and policy decisions that have shaped the built environment of New York City with particular focus on utilities and infrastructure.
Nonprofit financial institution lends to ‘underserved, overlooked’ Kansas businesses, communities - from Kansas Reflector
June 23 - AltCap is a community development financial institution based in Kansas City working to mobilize resources within underserved areas. CEO Ruben Alonso recently joined the Reflector Podcast to discuss the organization’s mission. “We support all entrepreneurs, but we really want to focus on those entrepreneurs that have historically had challenges accessing traditional capital, or accessing capital from traditional financial institutions like banks.”
VOICES: Universities can rebuild public trust with better engagement with their communities - from Dayton Daily News
June 25 - A growing partnership in Dayton’s Twin Towers neighborhood sees University of Dayton students and alumni and local residents working side-by-side at the Mission of Mary to produce fruits and vegetables to be delivered throughout the community. University of Dayton President and CUMU Board Member Eric Spina emphasizes this kind of grassroots collaboration as a model for higher education.
Miami-Dade's Strategic Approach to Workforce Development - from Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
June 25 - “Multi-sectoral collaboration between local government, educational institutions, local businesses, and nonprofits has been critical to executing effective workforce development strategies in Miami-Dade County. Yet, employers say that in some instances housing affordability, childcare costs, and lack of accessible public transportation still hinder workers from being able to fully participate in the labor force and achieve economic mobility.”
Academic Journal Articles
Journal Article: Pearson-Stuttard, J., Nevens, L., Blair, A., Owolabi, B., & Harland, J. (2025). Addressing health inequalities through the NHS: learnings from a trust health inequalities programme board. Perspectives in Public Health, 17579139251336651. Link
Journal Article: Bedi, N. S. and Dresser, C. J. (2025). “Health Care, Cities, and Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities.” Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, 3:2/3, 245-275. Link