Action Areas

The Forum focuses its work on three critical action areas, chosen because of their ability to immediately affect inner city market conditions and because in these areas, the Forum network has the greatest potential to bring about sustainable change. 

Currently, the three dynamic action areas for Forum ideas, activities, events and thought leadership are:

• Getting inner city businesses to size and scale
• Increasing capital flows to inner cities
• Marketing the opportunity of inner cities

Engagement

At the core of the Forum’s success are its Members. The more Members are involved with the agenda, the more enriching they find the experience and the greater the potential impact they may have – what you put into the Forum will multiply ten-fold what you can get out of it.

There are many ways to engage with the Forum and move the action areas forward, including:

• Provide Written or Event Content such as articles, research reports, conference call topics, speakers and panel sessions for Summit
• Strengthen the Network by inviting and introducing the Forum to new Members or Partners or by hosting events to convene Members in your region
• Be a “Business Champion” by identifying and nominating companies for ICIC programs and other small business resources
• Promote the Forum with marketing and publicity for Forum Members and events to your constituents
• Participate Frequently in Events such as the Summit, conference calls, regional convenings and working groups
  

Responsibilities of Membership

Upon submitting an application for membership, Members agree to do their best to do the following:

• Participate in the work of the Forum, by contributing information, action, and connections to the Forum and its Members
• Advocate for the Forum and for the mission of inner city economic development, revitalization and growth
• Provide information to the Forum on our organization and its activities, as needed
  

Actively participating Members may be provided increased opportunities within the Forum program, including reductions in Membership fees or invitations to VIP events. Further, active Members will get priority for activities, events or renewal, if capacity limits are reached.