Boone County News Release

---

---

Boone County Begins Planning for Upward Mobility with Local Leaders

August 11, 2021 – Boone County is one of eight counties nationwide to join the Upward Mobility Cohort through funding from the Urban Institute. The creation of this cohort is the next phase of the Boosting Upward Mobility from Poverty project that aims to improve economic and social mobility within local communities. The project utilizes a broad definition of upward mobility that extends beyond a simple focus on economic success to recognize the critical importance of power and autonomy and being valued in the community to more fully capture people’s experiences with upward mobility from poverty. Over the grant period of 18 months, awardees in this cohort receive funding, technical assistance from Urban Institute, and peer learning opportunities within the cohort to help communities with developing an action plan to increase upward mobility and reduce racial inequities. 

Through a partnership between Boone County and the Cradle to Career Alliance, residents, community, and organizational leaders convened on August 11, 2021 from 9-11 am at the Atrium to identify and prioritize community needs to boost mobility for those experiencing the most chronic disparities. The group identified priorities by engaging in a data walk, which provides participants with data related to national and local outcomes.

All data has analyzed and presented within the Mobility Metrics utilized by the Urban Institute. This framework utilizes key “Drivers” of community indicators. The Drivers include metrics across three areas which include Strong & Healthy Families, Opportunities to Learn & Earn, and Supportive Communities. Disaggregated data will show outcomes based on race/ethnicity for participants to view and set priorities for the most critical outcomes to change.

Through a community driven process, priorities have been identified and action planning will begin soon within Boone County. Action planning will be facilitated within the community by three local coalitions: Worley Street Roundtable (led by Verna Laboy and Brittany Fatoma); Minority Men’s Network (led by Steve Calloway and Keith McIver) and Ms. Brittany Hughes. Each consultant will receive technical support through the County and Cradle to Career Alliance partnership to lead and host planning sessions with their networks, data walk participants, and community leaders as peers working together through their unique experiences and strengths to build.  The planning period will likely end by early 2022.

About the Urban Institute
The nonprofit Urban Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based insights that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. For 50 years, Urban has been the trusted source for rigorous analysis of complex social and economic issues; strategic advice to policymakers, philanthropists, and practitioners; and new, promising ideas that expand opportunities for all. Our work inspires effective decisions that advance fairness and enhance the well-being of people and places.

About Boone County Community Services Department
The mission of Boone County Community Services Department is to support the greatest possible level of independence and self-sufficiency of Boone County residents by promoting their physical, mental and social well-being to cultivate a safe and healthy community. The Boone County Community Health & Medical Fund is funded through the Boone County Hospital Lease.

About Cradle to Career Alliance
Cradle to Career Alliance is the only Missouri member of the national StriveTogether partnership. The nonprofit holds a mission to identify strategies to leverage our community’s assets to maximize the potential of every resident. Our vision is to be living in a community where people work together to pursue equity so that vitality and success are realized for every resident-from cradle to career. We use local data to identify disparities in opportunities that must be available to all residents as a basis of a thriving community. After identifying disparities, we organize strategic action planning networks to find solutions tailored to our local needs.  

###