The challenges that states face in diversifying local economies, closing the digital divide, training workers for the jobs of the future, expanding healthcare access, and modernizing infrastructure are closely intertwined. It is increasingly clear that the most effective solutions involve a systemic approach, cutting across sectors to find efficiencies and leverage resources. The Western Prosperity Roundtable is focused on addressing these capacity challenges to equip western communities to undertake locally led community and economic development efforts.
The 2024 Annual Policy Forum was chock-full of in-depth policy discussions about everything from digital equity and workforce development to extreme heat and wildfire mitigation.
Especially noteworthy were the ‘”fireside chats” between Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves, and Dr. Homer Wilkes, the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Watch hereThe west has undergone extraordinary growth in recent years, presenting challenges and opportunities for western communities. The annual 2023 Annual Policy Forum, hosted in Bozeman by Governor Greg Gianforte, convened community members, policymakers, and experts to discuss strategies for strengthening community resources and ensuring smart and sustainable development to effectively manage the growing West.
Panels explored the interconnected and often compounding resource constraints across human, physical, and financial dimensions and the ways in which to address them.
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