Support communities that promote healthy living and resiliency and help mitigate the impact of trauma, isolation and stress on individuals and families, especially those experiencing poverty

Support a well-funded, sustainable, competitive entrepreneur and small business ecosystem throughout the region

Help build a regional economic ecosystem that supports increased creation/retention of jobs and business ownership

Help build a skilled workforce with the knowledge and technical abilities to excel in a wide range of industry employment opportunities that provide a competitive, sustainable wage

Source, analyze and share a comprehensive, county-by-county data set that paints a full picture of work readiness, economic development and entrepreneurial needs and opportunities specific to Western North Carolina

Work in tandem with Economic Opportunity Strategic Priority to invest in career readiness at the community college and university levels

Support K-12 learning experiences with the resources and sustainability to provide an excellent academic and social-emotional education, so that all students graduate ready for college or career

Invest in an improved early childhood education ecosystem with the resources and sustainability to provide developmentally appropriate, affordable and accessible education and care to support ages birth to five, so that all children in WNC enter kindergarten ready to learn

Source, analyze and share a comprehensive set of publicly available data that provides a regularly updated, county-by-county picture of access, workforce and student outcomes in early childhood education and K-12 education specific to Western North Carolina

Increase affordable housing for lowest-income individuals and families

Support healthy and safe revitalizations that work against displacement and gentrification, preserve home ownership and create generational wealth.