Boone County News Release
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Megan Bania
Boone County Community Services Department
Email: MBania@boonecountymo.org
Phone: (573) 886-4298
Boone County Releases Mobility Action Plan to Address Poverty
June 14, 2022 – The Mobility Action Plan, developed by dedicated workgroups who are focused on addressing poverty in Boone County, will be released during a launch event on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, on the second floor of the Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 S. 9th Street, Columbia. The event will include an open house from 2:00PM – 4:00PM, with a presentation at 2:30PM.
In May 2021, Boone County became one of eight counties nationwide selected to participate in the inaugural Upward Mobility Cohort, with funding from the Urban Institute. This project utilizes a broad definition of upward mobility, which extends beyond a simple focus on economic success and recognizes the critical importance of power, autonomy, and being valued in the community. In that way, the project will more fully capture people’s experiences with upward mobility from poverty. Through this project and the Mobility Action Plan, Boone County hopes to improve economic and social mobility within the community.
The County’s Mobility Action Plan focuses on three priority areas around which workgroups were formed. The workgroups, with focuses on Early Grade Literacy, Jobs and Workforce Development, and Fair and Inclusive Housing, began their planning process in 2022. Each workgroup’s Mobility Action Plan details goals and strategies to improve the specific community conditions that limit upward mobility from poverty. Each workgroup has been facilitated by a community leader, and participants include nonprofit representatives, local government officials, local businessowners, faith leaders, and members of the community at large.
With initial planning stages completed, the County is releasing its Mobility Action Plan today at a launch event held at the Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia, Mo. The release of the Mobility Action Plan marks an important step in the process of improving upward mobility.
“Boone County has long been seen as an innovative, forward-thinking community that has helped its residents to reach their full potential. That vision can only be a reality, however, if opportunity exists across all sectors of the community,” says Janet Thompson, Boone County District II Commissioner. “To transform vision into reality, we must address upward economic mobility issues in Boone County.”
To learn more about the project and to access the Mobility Action Plan, please visit https://www.showmeboone.com/community-services/upward-mobility.asp.Planning partners leading the work include Boone County, Central Missouri Community Action, Minority Men’s Network, and a local organizing consultant.
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.
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