Overview

April 16

A thriving economy isn’t just about industries and infrastructure, it’s about people. When individuals and families have real opportunities to achieve economic mobility, communities are stronger, and the economy performs better for everyone.

But today, too many people are being left behind.

Local leaders are pivotal in shaping many systems and experiences that impact economic mobility, from workforce development to education, transportation, and housing. These leaders are eager for evidence-based tools they can use to improve economic mobility for people in their communities.

That’s why Governing is hosting a dynamic four-part series of virtual summits on economic mobility focused on equipping local leaders with the insights and solutions needed to turn research into action.

Join us for the first summit in our four-part series on economic mobility!

What You’ll Gain from This Interactive Event

A data-driven look at economic mobility in the U.S. today – Explore key trends, the dynamics contributing to the decline, and the policies that can make a difference.
Insights from top experts with Opportunity Insights, Urban Institute and Results for America.
Proven tools and case studies – Learn how cities and counties have successfully improved economic opportunity through smart policy and targeted investments.

Register Today!

This is more than just a conversation; it’s a call to action. Be part of the solution and gain the tools to drive lasting economic change in your community.

This summit is sponsored by the Gates Foundation, in partnership with:

sponsor

Speakers

Zach Patton — Host

Editorial Director, Content Studio, Governing

Zach Patton edits and oversees papers and events for the Content Studio at e.Republic. Prior to joining the Content Studio in 2020, he was the Executive Editor of Governing magazine, which covers policy and politics in state and local governments across the country

Grace Simrall — Moderator

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government and former Chief of Civic Innovation and Technology of Louisville Metro Government

Grace Simrall is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Digital Government and the founder of iGlass Analytics, an innovation, data and analytics services company based in Louisville, KY. She served as the Chief of Civic Innovation and Technology of Louisville Metro Government from 2016-2023. Under her leadership, the city has been the most widely recognized civic innovation team in the country including awards in 2017 Center for Digital Government - Most Innovative City, 2018 and 2021 Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge Champion City, 2018 Smart Cities Council Readiness Challenge awardee, 2019 Microsoft Future of Work Initiative, 2020 What Works Cities Platinum certification status, and 2023 US DOT SMART Phase I grant awardee.

David Forte — Panelist

Director of Research Translation and Strategic Initiatives at Opportunity Insights

David Forte is the Director of Research Translation and Strategic Initiatives at Opportunity Insights. In this role, David focuses on building out strategic activities that bring OI research into practice. David comes to OI from prior work in housing policy, including leading impact and evaluation efforts at the King County Housing Authority, and more recently, consulting on data analysis and evaluation with public agencies across the United States working to end homelessness. He also has experience as a Research Associate at Harvard Business School and in program evaluation and fund development roles with nonprofit organizations in Seattle, WA and Boston, MA. David holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Texas A&M University.

Keith Fudge — Panelist

Director, Policy Management at Urban Institute

Keith Fudge is director of policy management in the Research to Action Lab at the Urban Institute. He directs a body of work focused on increasing mobility from poverty. Previously, he managed technical assistance projects for Urban’s Pay for Success Initiative. He also managed the Evidence-Based Policymaking Collaborative, a partnership of experts from four research organizations that provided insight into strategies for applying rigorous evidence to the policymaking process, particularly at the federal level. Previously, Fudge worked in the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Policy Development and Research, where he supported research and communications efforts. He was a founding staffer and senior project manager for the White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities. Fudge has a BA in English from the University of Michigan and an MPP from the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

Ross Tilchin — Panelist

Director of the Economic Mobility Catalog at Results for America

Ross Tilchin is the Director of the Economic Mobility Catalog on the Solutions Team at Results for America. Previously, he was a Senior Policy and Research Assistant for the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution, where he focused on a range of urban economic development and local government policy issues. He has also served as a Kreisman Fellow with Enterprise Community Partners, where he worked to advance several community development initiatives in Chicago. Ross received an M.P.P. from the University of Chicago and a BA in Government and History from Lafayette College.

Ryan Rippel — Panelist

Founding Director, Gates Foundation's U.S. Economic Mobility and Opportunity Strategy

Ryan Rippel is the founding director of the Gates Foundation's U.S. Economic Mobility and Opportunity (EMO) strategy. In this role, Ryan works with a team of leaders and advocates who are committed to breaking down the barriers that hold back nearly 50 million people from experiencing economic mobility and opportunity across the U.S. - in rural, urban, and suburban communities. The EMO strategy is organized around approaches to addressing everyday barriers to security and opportunity, better equipping communities and employers to create long-term pathways to mobility and overcome structural barriers to mobility, and helping other funders and advocates work together to set even bigger goals to achieve a more equitable, just U.S.

Monica Goldson

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Dr. Monica Goldson is the retired Chief Executive Officer for Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) after 32 years of service. Dr. Goldson holds three degrees from HBCUs – a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Florida A&M University, a master’s degree in Elementary and Secondary School Administration from Bowie State University, and a doctorate in Educational Administration and Policy from Howard University. Beyond the schoolhouse, Dr. Goldson is the recipient of numerous awards and honors.

Webinar

Building Thriving Communities: A Virtual Summit on Economic Mobility