Lisa Davis, Program Officer, Metropolitan Opportunity, Ford Foundation
Local economies from Michigan to Texas to California are distressed and looking for answers ... answers that will produce growth, access to capital, and jobs, jobs, jobs. Mainstream investors have historically ignored moderate and low-income communities because of the perceived risk. But these markets may offer just the type of opportunity investors are looking for: unmatched potential for growth, new industry development, and modest yet sustainable returns. But what are the best ways to engage the private sector? How can government policies be structured to incentivize capital flows at a scale that will bring real growth? What are the best financial models for community development that will foster entrepreneurship and job creation? Panelists will discuss innovations in public-private partnerships and current trends in community investment, which have the potential to support economic growth while also providing the returns investors seek.
Global Conference 2013
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, philanthropist Bill Gates and Strive Masiyiwa of Econet Wireless discuss advancing prosperity in Africa.
