Staring a New Initiative During a Time of Disruption and Uncertainty
The James Irvine Foundation is committed to helping under-resourced regions of California so that all low-income workers have the power to advance economically. The Priority Communities initiative partners with local intermediaries and communities to strengthen capacity building, leadership, and innovations that promote quality job creation and planning for equitable and inclusive economies.
When the James Irvine Foundation started its seven-year Priority Communities initiative in March 2020, there was no way to anticipate the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local economies. The nationwide protests and calls for racial justice also marked a critical turning point. Despite the ongoing challenges and setbacks, it has been a period of reflection and learning about what it will take to implement the Priority Communities’ strategy and create inclusive regional economies that work for everyone. In November 2020, Engage R+D, facilitated a reflection discussion with members of the Foundation’s Priority Communities’ team to capture insights and learnings from this tumultuous year. This brief lifts up key takeaways and insights from this discussion.
