What You Can Expect

Room: Grand 2

Discover how Build from Within Alliance is transforming economic opportunity from the inside out. This national network of community development organizations implements a tailor-made place-based economic vitality model that grows local entrepreneurship in historically disinvested communities. Hear directly from a BfWA member and a local entrepreneur whose journey illustrates how this model reshapes what’s possible for residents. Purpose Built Network Members will also share how they plan to partner with BfWA to adapt this approach within their own neighborhoods. The session is designed for any neighborhood seeking to strengthen resident economic mobility. Attendees will hear practical examples, clear roles, and right‑sized next steps for building vibrant, resilient local economic ecosystems—starting exactly where you are.

Room: Grand 8

Workforce systems are most effective when they respond directly to employer demand while remaining accessible to neighborhood residents. This session explores how Goodwill Industries collaborates with employers, education partners, and LIFT JAX, a Purpose Built Communities Network Member, to align training with real job opportunities.

Panelists will discuss how employer input shapes program design, how education partners deliver relevant credentials, and how Community Quarterback Organizations help ensure residents can access and succeed in these pathways.

Participants will:

• Understand how employer demand informs workforce program design
• Learn how workforce experts translate labor needs into training pathways
• Explore how Community Quarterback Organizations strengthen access and completion
• Gain insights into building workforce initiatives that lead to sustainable employment

Room: Grand 1

What is the role of public space and public life in amplifying the Purpose Built Communities model? In this session, network leaders from East Savannah United and South City Foundation will join designers from Gehl, an urban strategy and design consultancy, in answering this question. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to pilot light-touch projects in public spaces to activate street life, enhance feelings of belonging and social connection, and inform long-term neighborhood transformation goals.

Room: Grand 3

This session, facilitated by the Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA), alongside participants from Felton and LIIF, will explore how integrating early learning programs within affordable housing developments can create stronger outcomes for children, families, and communities—while also addressing the urgent need to stabilize and grow the early learning workforce.

Room: Grand 7

Neighborhood transformation often starts with the built environment—but real impact requires understanding the culture, history, and lived experiences that shaped a community. Grounding revitalization efforts in that history builds trust and strengthens relationships with residents.

In this interactive workshop, La’Neice Littleton, Ph.D., will share practical approaches to oral history and neighborhood preservation. She’ll be joined by Camden Baggs of the Quantum Foundation to discuss how philanthropy can partner with communities to elevate local history, and by Suzanne Pickett, CEO of Historic Eastside Community Development, who is leading a heritage trail initiative in Jacksonville’s OutEast neighborhood.

Room: Grand 6

The rise of generative AI promises to disrupt industries and create new pathways to opportunity. But how do we make sure those opportunities are distributed equitably? And how can we harness the power of generative AI strategically and responsibly to advance our mission? In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore the promise and peril of AI for social impact through hands-on exercises and use cases tailored to your mission. Choose between intro-level or more advanced exercises depending on your prior experience and confidence with generative AI tools. Complete a self-assessment to receive tailored feedback on potential next-best actions to level up your AI fluency. Leave inspired to harness the power of AI for your mission and explore how you might help neighborhood residents navigate new pathways to opportunity in the era of AI.