Collective Impact is working with faculty members of the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Center for Sustainable Business and Development, Department of Political Science, and Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management to conduct a research project to better understand Appalachian tourism and identify opportunities to grow tourism activities and encourage business development throughout the region. The project is funded through a competitive grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) - a federal economic development agency. The project is the largest and most comprehensive study of tourism ever conducted by the commission, which covers 205,000 square miles across 420 counties in 13 states. Results of the study will help us better understand the state of tourism of the region, new growth areas for tourism in Appalachian communities, and best practices and successful strategies to help the communities succeed. The project will use research, surveys, site visits, and focus groups as part of the research method. The project also will identify communities to use as case studies to illustrate local tourism success stories and best practices for tourism business development.
Collective Impact worked with the West Virginia Affordable Housing Trust Fund (WVAHTF) to conduct an analysis of the affordable housing system in West Virginia in order to identify internal and external challenges/barriers related to accessing necessary funding for affordable housing development projects in the state. A planning team was convened and primary and secondary research was conducted to inform the creation of a state-wide action plan that includes specific strategies to address capacity within local housing agencies/organizations and to work toward systemic changes in the affordable housing system at the state and federal levels. Many new state initiatives have launched from the recommended strategies identified in this plan (i.e., Volunteer Housing Program, Nonprofit Capacity Building Initiative, West Virginia Housing Policy Group, etc.). The mission of the WVAHTF is to assist West Virginia communities in meeting affordable housing needs through financial resources, partnerships, and planning.
"Bruce -- I have to tell you that having you facilitate the planning process was probably the best decision CHRIC made in tackling such a huge undertaking -- and accomplishing so much in a very short period of time. My hats off to you and your company for providing such a good service -- and you have the perfect personality for it as well!" ~ Stephanie Kiyak, Councilwoman, City of Dunkirk, NY
