Recognizing the Strength of the
Reinvention Cities Network2020 Recap
Dear Reinvention Cities Network Leaders:
There is no doubt that 2020 brought new challenges to our Legacy Cities. Community leaders became problem solvers to ensure the health and safety of your communities as you addressed the uncertainties of COVID-19 and conversations surrounding racial justice and equity. While 2020 comes to a close, the work is far from over.
The resolve of Ohio's Legacy Cities has been shown before when faced with challenge. Your determination, strength, and grit is recognized, once again.
As in years past, GOPC has appreciated the opportunity to steward the Network. As we map out 2021, we wanted to share the highlights of 2020: - GOPC hosted an in-person roundtable in Chillicothe in February. The topic of this roundtable was development, and how Ohio's Legacy Cities can leverage their assets. This conversation was an extension from the roundtable hosted in November 2019, which included JobsOhio as the special guest to discuss development strategies with the Network.
- As an organization, GOPC switched gears to provide resources to Ohio's communities as they were facing COVID-19. For the Reinvention Cities Network, GOPC began hosting monthly COVID-19 conference calls as a means to connect Ohio's communities and provide resources in real-time. These calls occurred between April and June 2020.
- GOPC hosted two virtual roundtables for the Network following the monthly conference calls. The topics of these roundtables were on JobsOhio's new Vibrant Communities and Inclusive Grant programs, as well as on forward thinking priorities for 2021 as the state continues recovery efforts and enters a budget year. We look forward to providing peer learning and networking into 2021, recognizing the reality of the need to remain virtual until we can safely gather.
- GOPC updated our organizational Policy Platform to ensure the accurate reflection of COVID-19 and racial justice and equity are included. This platform is a pillar for GOPC's advocacy to state policymakers when advocating for the Network and Ohio's Legacy Cities. Throughout 2020, GOPC continued advocacy efforts with policymakers on policy priorities impacting Ohio's Legacy Cities, such as rent/mortgage assistance.
Mark Your Calendar!The first Reinvention Cities Network Roundtable in 2021 will be held virtually on Wednesday, February 24th, 2021.
Click here to RSVP
As always, please do not hesitate to let GOPC know of how we can continue to be a resource to you and your community.
Stay safe and well, and happy holidays! |
