North Carolina | Pop. 2,028,193 | 7 counties

Staff received equity training from external consultants, began a book club to read relevant works, and launched an internal task force. Beyond this, funds were allocated to dedicate 10% of one staff member’s time to DEI work, which included managing the relationship with the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE). Learn more here.

Massachusetts | Pop. 44,989 | 3 counties

The commission developed a procurement policy that ensures RFPs are intentionally sent to diverse suppliers and created a repository of workforce agencies that intentionally reach diverse candidates when advertising for staff members. Learn more here.

North Carolina | Pop. 434,748 | 4 counties

Crafted by the council, the Bridging the Digital Divide Digital Inclusion Plan is a comprehensive plan to increase and diversify broadband access in their region. To create the plan, the council enacted a formal process including a large regional forum, in-depth focus group meetings, and stakeholder engagement across the region. Results include the development of six laptop and hot spot lending pilots, the installation of free Wi-Fi in ten community centers, three downtown Wi-Fi access points, and providing devices to individuals pursuing education who are justice-involved or in recovery programs.

North Carolina | Pop. 434,748 | 4 counties

To begin community conversations, the council developed an online Story Map of data on racial disparities to better understand these challenges and how to address them. Learn more here.

North Carolina | Pop. 434,748 | 4 counties

With an eye on equity in workforce development, the council built partnerships with the Asheville Chamber Inclusive Hiring Partners program and re-entry and secondchance hiring program ARC INspire. LOSRC supports the Generation Plus team, which is working to reduce isolation, build social networks, and educate and advocate for the LGBTQ+ 55 and older population. Learn more here.

North Carolina | Pop. 2,288,454 | 9 counties

As shared in their 2023 CEDS, staff looked beyond just the cost of transportation to develop a transit equity portal that incorporated new metrics for vehicle accessibility, transit propensity, and persistent poverty. As part of the larger CONNECT Beyond Mobility Initiative, these metrics look at needs in the region’s urban and rural communities.

Kentucky | Pop. 1,008,204 | 7 counties

In their 2023 CEDS, the agency developed specific goals and metrics related to workforce development wraparound services, including expanding childcare. The CEDS specifically discusses and provides data on targeted outreach groups for services, including individuals with disabilities, immigrants and refugees, veterans, justice-involved residents, foster youth, and those experiencing homelessness.

Georgia | Pop. 369,115 | 16 counties

During COVID-19 school closures, the commission supported study connectivity by building on a previous geospatial analysis of the Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative’s broadband availability data and identified areas with students most at risk from a lack of broadband access. The Macon County School System used this data and funding from the Georgia Department of Education to install 14 wireless routers that enabled over 700 students to access the internet at the speeds necessary to support online attendance.

Florida | Pop. 4,743,946 | 3 counties

Given their coastal location, the council identified climate change and sea level rise as the region’s greatest challenge in their 2022 CEDS. Climate change and several significant hurricanes in recent history have prioritized resilience planning for the council. Critical outcomes identified in the economic resilience plan include creating a new emergency operations center, supporting low wealth communities in launching sustainable businesses, and developing a coral restoration economy. The council also cited diversifying business and workforce opportunities beyond the hospitality and leisure industries.