Recent Blog Posts

To bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, we first need to understand what sets these communities apart and where they have common ground. Here are a few key stats about urban and rural populations, economies and housing, and the different types of critical challenges these communities face. Follow this link to read the complete article. Sourced from CitiesSpeak
Nearly 42 million Americans, which includes 13 million children, are considered food insecure, or in other words lack consistent access to enough food to live an active, healthy life. The issue of food insecurity is a complex problem requiring multifaceted solutions that are tailored to the needs of each community. In this informational webinar, we will take a deeper dive into the issue of food insecurity as spotlighted in the June issue of County News and hear from communities who have accepted the challenge of alleviating food deserts through their community-based initiatives. Webinar: Oct. 4, 2018 , 2-3 pm EDT   Sponsored by NAcO Follow this link to register.
The city of Fairborn has partnered with Dayton software creator Mile Two to bring what is said to be the first-of-its-kind augmented reality (AR) game — a outdoors “breakout” game called “Escape to Fairborn” — in a bid to boost foot traffic downtown. Follow this link to read the complete story. Sourced from  WHIOTV Dayton
As Baltimore was convulsed by protests in 2015 over the death of a young black man in police custody, a handful of people in the eastern U.S. city started worrying about a related issue: food. Follow this link to read the complete story. Sourced from Place
Cities will have to embrace "agility" to adapt land use to the flexible needs that new technological innovations will require, the World Economic Forum said. At the moment cities typically designate a single purpose for a piece of land - such as a public road or a lot for building a house. Follow this link to read the complete story. Sourced from ThisPlace
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced seven grants for research that will provide solutions to critical water problems across the United States. Among the grant participants this year, The Ohio State University, explores public-private partnerships to target the best management practices to improve water quality in agricultural runoffs. More information about the projects is available on the NIFA website. Sourced from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Weekly Digest Bulletin
Opportunity youth comprise a large share of the nearly five million 16-24 year olds out of school and out of work across the U.S. The group has one of the least secure footholds in the evolving structure of employment. Follow this link to read the complete article. Sourced from CitiesSpeak
For the past five years, NLC’s Center for City Solutions has analyzed hundreds of mayors’ state of the city addresses. In this research, we examine which priorities mayors are focusing on and how their priorities change over time in response to social, economic and political trends.  Follow this link to read the complete story. Sourced from CitiesSpeak
The Kirwan Institute is committed to the creation of a just and inclusive society where all people and communities have the opportunity to succeed. Kirwan believes in the importance of education and training on key topics like implicit bias, historic inequities in the education system, and education policy as a comprehensive approach to addressing disparities in K-12 education outcomes. Developed in partnership with the Schott Foundation for Public Education and The Ohio State University, this educational opportunity is provided at no cost. These modules include a series of videos, activities, and resources that can be accessed by districts, school buildings, and interested individuals. Follow this link for the training videos.
On August 2nd, 2018, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced a Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) award of $2,276,890 to Produce Perks Midwest. This award expands the, now statewide, Produce Perks program which increases affordable access to healthy, local produce for the 1.4 million Ohioans receiving SNAP. The award, along with matching funds contributed by Produce Perks Midwest and partners from across the state known collectively as the Ohio Nutrition Incentive Network (OH-NIN), represents a $4.6 million commitment to food insecure families, Ohio farmers and local economies. Ohio State University Extension, Cuyahoga County in addition to other OH-NIN members is committed to ensuring equitable and affordable access to healthy food for all Ohioans by joining Produce Perks Midwest to reach more Ohioans. To view the press release click here. This season the Produce Perks program is offered at 25 locations in Cuyahoga County. The program provides a $1-for-$1 match for shoppers using SNAP/EBT to buy fresh, local fruits and vegetables. In May, the match was increased from $10 to $20, significantly increasing the program’s impact. SNAP sales for 2018 in Cuyahoga County have already reached $21,000 with Ohio Direction Card shoppers receiving over $20,000 in Produce Perks. Since April, our local program has reached 450 new families and has continued to serve 304 returning families. Sourced from the OSUE Cuyahoga County Fall Newsletter

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