In the fall of 2012, Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity and the National League of Cities Institute for Youth, Education & Families co-sponsored a series of three national audio conferences this fall, entitled "Cities Promote Opportunity." The first audio call, which was held in September, explored examples of "city task forces" created to reduce poverty and build opportunity.

Click here to access the first call's recorded audio and transcript.

The second call in the series, “New City Strategies,” was held on October 18. It explored how the city of Providence, R.I. is implementing new strategies to build opportunity for its citizens and continue the mission of the Work and Opportunity Task Force (that has since completed its work). The audio call also provided a glimpse at a new interactive online portal that includes health and energy efficiency resources for local communities.

Guests included:

•    Garry Bliss, Director of Compliance, Office of Planning and Development, Providence
•    Brenda Whittle, Director of External Affairs and Marketing, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
•    Jenae C. Bjelland, Director of Healthy Homes, National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP)


Listen to the audio conference: 

Read the transcript:  October 18th conference call.pdf

RESOURCES:

    •    Green & Healthy Homes Initiative: Providence