Deep South Mayors Convene for DELTA FEST Conference
In an unprecedented gathering, mayors from various cities throughout the Deep South convened at the Jackson Convention Center for the inaugural DELTA FEST conference—an assembly designed to unite financial leaders and collaborators committed to fostering economic reform.
This momentous three-day event seeks to initiate a decade-long initiative aimed at cultivating prosperous communities across Southern states. Among the participants were two notable mayors from Alabama who brought innovative proposals to the forefront.
Birmingham Mayor, Randall Woodfin, underscored the necessity for local leaders to adopt inventive approaches in addressing the ongoing affordable housing crisis. Over the past five years, the city has invested just over $16 million in essential repairs, new housing developments, and down payment assistance for prospective homeowners.
This initiative saw $4 million sourced from the HOPE Enterprise Corporation, a community development financial institution dedicated to enhancing the financial resilience of under-resourced communities across the Deep South.
“We endeavor to implement these measures because they are essential; we believe this is a moral imperative. However, we are also acutely aware that these efforts yield significant opportunities and generate wealth for new homeowners,” Woodfin expressed.
Additionally, he highlighted the Birmingham Promise as a pivotal economic catalyst. This program offers tuition assistance to graduates of Birmingham schools, enabling them to pursue education at any public two-year or four-year college or university in Alabama.
“Graduating with substantial student debt often dissuades young individuals from contemplating homeownership unless it is handed to them by their parents. This initiative fundamentally alters that narrative,” Woodfin remarked.
Mayor Steven Reed of Montgomery emphasized the importance of collaboration with HOPE to expand low-interest financing opportunities for small businesses, citing this partnership as a cornerstone of revitalization efforts.
“This collaboration has invigorated our entrepreneurs, instilling in them the motivation to pursue their ambitions. Our investment in their success fortifies our economy and, in turn, our community,” Reed elaborated.
The DELTA FEST was co-founded by HOPE Enterprise Corporation and Yancey Consulting, featuring luminaries from financial institutions like Wells Fargo and Capital One.
Bill Bynum, the chief executive officer of HOPE, noted that the organization has been serving under-resourced communities for over three decades, yet the road to prosperity is not one that can be traversed alone.
Wednesday’s plenary session, moderated by Alaina Beverly, executive vice president of the Black Economic Alliance Foundation, showcased mayors from Jackson, Little Rock, Birmingham, and Montgomery.
“Our Southern cities encompass Black communities whose legacies have significantly shaped our nation and whose vibrant culture continues to influence it,” Beverly stated as she introduced the panel.
“These cities exemplify the efficacy of innovation and investment in expanding economic opportunities, serving as a model for the entire country.”
Jackson Mayor John Horhn, who assumed office on July 1, identified the restoration of trust among taxpayers and governance entities at various levels as his foremost priority. The city has grappled with challenges related to maintaining its water system, securing control over the Jackson airport, and addressing pronounced areas of blight.
“Moreover, we faced accountability issues hindering our ability to enact change. Our focus is on restoring basic service delivery while devising a clear plan of action,” Horhn articulated.
He proposed the creation of a “Marshall Plan”—drawing inspiration from the U.S. economic initiative that aided Europe post-World War II—to tackle blight, affordable housing, and public safety in Jackson.
“We are actively seeking partners who can assist us. If you possess resources, we have challenges that need addressing,” Horhn invited.
“If you are interested in allocating resources, there are substantial opportunities in Jackson, Mississippi.”
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott shared insights into initiatives like BUILD Academy, a 12-week program designed to empower businesses and entrepreneurs by enhancing operational scalability.
He noted that Little Rock has concentrated efforts on underserved communities, resulting in neighborhood transformations and solidified partnerships, thereby positioning the city as a leader in job creation.
“Transformation requires us to unapologetically pursue strategies that have historically been neglected, concentrating solely on the present,” Scott asserted.
“What we need is an ecosystem; individuals who provide technical expertise, facilitate contract opportunities, and level playing fields within these communities, and we are committed to making that happen,” Bynum interjected.
He observed that communities throughout the Deep South were consistently overlooked in terms of state and federal resources, prompting the creation of DELTA FEST. A primary objective of DELTA FEST is to bridge visionary economic growth ideas with the organizations equipped to actualize them.
“Our aspiration is to foster an economy across the Deep South that opens avenues for opportunity for all individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds,” Bynum concluded.
“Unless we empower individuals to flourish and prosper, we will fall short of realizing our potential as a nation.”
Source link: Apr.org.
