New Haven Leaders Met To Shape City's Vision For Inclusive Growth

From the City of New Haven and Center for Inclusive Growth:

NEW HAVEN, CT — Wednesday, the Center for Inclusive Growth, alongside Mayor Justin Elicker, Board of Alders President Tyisha Walker-Myers, State Treasurer Erick Russell, and more than 140 industry and community leaders, elected officials, business executives, and nonprofit representatives, launched the strategic planning process for the development of a comprehensive and collaborative vision for inclusive growth in New Haven.

The establishment of the Inclusive Growth Plan affirms New Haven as an ongoing leader in the development and implementation of innovative strategies that target the root causes of inequities on issues such as urban development, local sourcing and hiring, startup support, small business development, affordable housing, and green energy.

The convening, which marked the first step in a new citywide effort to ensure that economic growth benefits all residents, was hosted by the Center for Inclusive Growth. The Center of Inclusive Growth’s vision is to help create a flourishing New Haven where all residents have access to the necessary tools and resources to achieve economic security and contribute positively to a vibrant community. The center was launched with the explicit objective to develop and implement strategies to help ensure that economic growth in the city benefits all residents – especially those historically left behind. As part of the Community Strategy Sessions, the Center for Inclusive Growth will prioritize direct engagement with residents by hosting a series of community-based convenings and planning sessions throughout New Haven.

Key stakeholders from a range of sectors—including business, education, housing, healthcare, climate and green energy, and transportation—worked collectively to define inclusive growth, identify key priorities, and explore actionable strategies to promote equity-driven economic development.

"Today, we took a critical step forward in shaping a future where prosperity in New Haven is shared by all," said Dawn Leaks Ragsdale, Executive Director of the Center for Inclusive Growth. "By breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across sectors, we are building the foundation for a strategic, community-driven approach to inclusive growth. This is just the beginning of a long-term effort to create a city where every resident has access to opportunity and economic mobility."

The center’s Board of Directors includes New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, former Yale President Peter Salovey, New Haven Board of Alders President Tyisha Walker-Myers, and Dean of the Yale School of Management Kerwin Charles.

Mayor Elicker addressed attendees, reinforcing the city's commitment to policies that foster equitable development. The discussion centered on key themes such as affordable housing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and access to education and healthcare.

“Inclusive growth has been and will continue to be the driving force and goal behind all of our work in city government, as we seek to create a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. While the Trump Administration and others are walking away from DEI, New Haven is moving forward because we know the more inclusive our economy and society is, the more prosperous our residents and city will become,” said Mayor Elicker. “This convening by the Center for Inclusive Growth and the creation of a collaborative Inclusive Growth Plan will build on and strengthen our efforts as a city, and identify new initiatives that help connect more of our residents to opportunity through securing living wage jobs, starting new businesses, and building generational wealth for themselves and their families.”

Kerwin Charles, Chair of the Board of the Center for Inclusive Growth, and Indra K. Nooyi Dean & Frederick W. Beinecke Professor of Economics, Policy, and Management at the Yale School of Management, has underscored the significance of collective action in achieving meaningful progress through this convening.

“This convening has undoubtedly served to build important connections among stakeholders throughout the city, and I am thrilled to see the Center for Inclusive Growth begin its noble mission to encourage economic development and growth in New Haven in a manner that is robust, inclusive, and beneficial to all residents,” said Dean Charles.

Throughout the convening, participants engaged in facilitated discussions and interactive working sessions to identify concrete next steps. The Center for Inclusive Growth will synthesize the insights and priorities shared at the event into a citywide Inclusive Growth Action Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for policy initiatives, investments, and partnerships moving forward.

Board of Alders President Tyisha Walker-Myers, a Board Member and a key leader in the effort to drive equitable development in New Haven, highlighted the significance of collaboration in shaping the city's future. As a longtime advocate for working families and historically marginalized communities, she emphasized that inclusive growth must be rooted in the real needs and aspirations of New Haven residents. Speaking at the convening, she reinforced the importance of ensuring that economic progress benefits all neighborhoods and communities, not just a select few.

“This convening was a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when we bring all voices to the table. Inclusive growth isn’t just a policy goal—it’s a necessity for ensuring that every New Haven resident, no matter their background or neighborhood, has a fair shot at success,” President Walker-Myers said. “I’m looking forward to the next steps in this process which will be centered on working directly in communities, alongside the people who will be most impacted, to ensure their voices shape the policies and initiatives that come out of this effort. I am proud to support this work and remain committed to building real, lasting change.”

Upcoming sessions will take place in neighborhood hubs, local community centers, and gathering spaces to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. By meeting residents where they are, the Center aims to foster intentional dialogue, gather firsthand insights, and ensure that the voices of those most impacted by economic policies are at the forefront of decision-making.

Through these sessions, residents will have the opportunity to share their lived experiences, identify key challenges and opportunities, and help shape concrete solutions that reflect the diverse needs of the city. This grassroots approach will ensure that the citywide vision for inclusive growth is not just developed for the community—but with the community, by the community, and driven by their priorities and aspirations.