CarolinaLink ’s Post

The recent panel on building rural broadband highlights the critical steps and collaborative efforts needed to expand connectivity in underserved areas. It's inspiring to see how industry leaders are working together to bridge the digital divide and bring essential services to rural communities. #RuralBroadband #DigitalInclusion #Connectivity #Innovation Watch the discussion here: https://lnkd.in/gYyn6JBt

There’ve been two important – and contrasting – pieces of news which caught my eye over the past fortnight.    It’s undoubtedly an exciting time in the North West, with a new ‘level four’ devo deal for Merseyside announced on the back of the area’s new Investment Zone, which is seeing money allocated to support life sciences.    The growth of one of the UK’s most successful industries around one of our most iconic cities is cause for celebration – and new #devolution powers will help the North West to cement itself as a growing hub for innovation, while also giving local people and their leaders a greater say over the future of their region.   At the same time, we know that growth can’t be sustained without access to good quality affordable housing. With average rents reported to have risen by as much as 39 per cent in towns such as Bolton and Wigan, there’s a real need to ramp up housing delivery close to expanding cities like Manchester and Liverpool. We need a stronger supply of new homes and supporting infrastructure if we’re to retain and attract the talent needed to power these growing industries.    It’s clear we need to think holistically about regional growth – there are reasons for optimism, some causes for concern, but obvious opportunities for sustainable urban expansion across our growing towns and cities.   Harworth is helping meet the demand for fit-for-purpose housing and social infrastructure. Working with local government across the North West and beyond, there are opportunities to do even more together in the years ahead.   Read more on…   …the new devo powers for [@Liverpool City Region Combined Authority]: https://lnkd.in/eBmj4gyj    … rising rents in towns: https://lnkd.in/e4NQ8iP7   …the work Harworth is doing to tackle the region’s housing shortage, including in partnership with [@St Helens Council] at Moss Nook: https://lnkd.in/ehmiJA94

Great panel discussion on bringing much needed high quality Internet to the affordable housing space!

The Milken Institute released their Best Performing Cities (BPC) report this week. The two communities I value most are on this list: Northwest Arkansas (#7) and San Francisco (#27). Take a look! https://lnkd.in/g-rRH6_K #sanfrancisco #ggu #businessandlaw #milkeninstitute #northwestarkansas #bentonville #economicdevelopment #workforcedevelopment #workforceplanning #sanfrancisco #ggu #businessandlaw

We have just wrapped up our second panel which deep dived into #devolution, who better to talk to than: Cllr Phil Riley, leader, Blackburn with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Cllr Lynn Williams, leader, Blackpool Council Cllr Phillippa Williamson, leader, Lancashire County Council Questions asked by the audience included: - How can the public sector and private sector work together to speed up processes such as planning and achieving Net Zero goals? - Do any of the three local government leaders feel they have missed out on not having a mayor as part of the devolution deal? - What is the timescale for a Lancashire economic strategy for the Combined Authority, and how will this be developed? - How do you intend to overcome rivalry and encourage the opposing councils to get on board? - How can the planning process be improved locally as a part of the devolution plan? Thank you Phil, Lynn, and Phillipa for your time and answers.

Broadband is more than access to internet. It is an opportunity for community and economic growth. Our current economy is defined by technological advancements. Connectivity has become more than a convenience—it's a necessity. Unfortunately, not all communities have equal access to broadband services, and this digital divide poses significant challenges to education, economic opportunities, healthcare, and overall social equity, especially for communities in the MS Delta. https://lnkd.in/dMep9up4

In under 30 days, Los Angeles prepares to implement HLA initiative, where Angelenos made it clear: they want streets designed for people, not just cars. Without action from the Mayor and City Council to set the course for this initiative, its implementation risks becoming chaotic, entangled in existing city power and budget struggles, and ultimately failing to serve the best interests of the 200 neighborhoods across Los Angeles. Here’s what needs to be done as a starting point: https://lnkd.in/e_Ev5tkh

In November, Reimagine Main Streets released a groundbreaking national study in collaboration with 14 national business organizations, including ICIC. The survey delves into the state of contracting in both public and private sectors, illuminating the experiences of diverse businesses amidst significant federal investments and legal developments. The findings highlight the immense opportunities for diverse-owned and small businesses in federal government and corporate contracting, crucial for economic growth. With more than $690 billion spent on federal contracts in FY 2022, the potential for diverse businesses to contribute to emerging supply chains is immense. Diverse business leaders, including ICIC, emphasize the importance of intentional engagement and contract unbundling to level the playing field. This paves the way for robust and resilient supply chains, fostering economic inclusivity. Steve Grossman, CEO, Initiative for a Competitive Inner City stated: "In urban cores across America, diverse-owned businesses are ready for new contracting opportunities. Many of these businesses are already contracting successfully and have the capacity to expand, generating well-paying jobs, income, and wealth in our under-resourced communities. By breaking down the barriers that have made it harder for diverse-owned businesses to contract, we can help close the racial wealth gap and move forward in our mission to eliminate concentrated poverty in the United States." Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/gR8V5Tdx

As part of our #NewLondonAgenda series, we're speaking to key contributors on why we need an Agenda, and what inspires them about our new framework for best practice in city-making. This week, Prof Greg Clark CBE FAcSS delves into how we can use the Agenda to deliver real change. Watch below! 🎥 #NLAgenda