Presentation by E DWARD M. L AMBERT, J R. Director of the UMass Dartmouth Urban Initiative

 Established by Chancellor Jean MacCormack to expand the University’s role in efforts to improve the quality of life in urban areas throughout the region and state  Rooted in the philosophy that a region’s growth and prosperity is dependent upon the health of its cities  Established in response to the challenge issued by MassINC in its Gateway Cities Report that the UMass System should make urban revitalization a core part of its mission

Mission & Focus  Research & Data Analysis  Project Development & Implementation  Technical Assistance for Municipalities, State & Local Agencies, and Private/Non-profit Organizations  Urban Public Policy Analysis

Achieving Our Goals: Methodology & Approach  Engage Policy Makers  Issue Policy Briefs and Research Reports  Build Partnerships With Other Research-Oriented and Higher Education Organizations  Foster Community and Statewide Dialogue on Key Issues  Organize and Promote Events and Conferences  Offer Technical Assistance and Training to Policy Leaders  Encourage Civic Participation  Link the University’s Resources to the Region and Beyond

Areas of Focus  Economic Development  Urban Education  Workforce Development  Municipal Organization & Finances  Urban Policy  Civic Engagement  Leadership

Projects in Progress  The Gateway Cities Initiative  Springfield Economic Growth Initiative  Downtown Taunton: Challenges & Opportunities  SouthCoast Dropout Study: An Examination of National Best Practices for Prevention & School Change

The Gateway Cities Initiative  Memorandum of Understanding signed with MassINC, publisher of the Gateway Cities report, to work together to forge a Coalition and to promote a new urban agenda for Massachusetts  Working together with the Mayors, City Managers and Economic Development Directors of the Gateway Cities, a Compact for Economic and Community Development was drafted in early 2008

May 19, 2008 Signing of the Gateway Cities Compact

The Gateway Cities Initiative Developments Since the Signing of the Compact  Formation of the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus  Statewide media coverage of the Gateway Cities cause  Continued discussion among the members of the Gateway Cities Coalition and targeting of key economic development policy concerns  Publication of MassINC Policy Brief: Going for Growth: Promoting Business Investment in Gateway Cities  Ongoing consultation with state officials and key Cabinet-level staff

The Gateway Cities Initiative Gateway Cities Conference  October 3, 2008 Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center  Focus of the Conference:  Launch a State-Local Partnership  Identify Key Policy Recommendations  Those in Attendance will Include:  Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray  Gateway City Mayors & City Managers  Gateway City Legislative Delegations  Cabinet-level Secretaries

The New UMass Dartmouth School of Education, Public Policy, & Civic Engagement  Fulfilling the vision of Chancellor Jean MacCormack as defined in UMass Dartmouth’s strategic plan, “Engaged, Embedded, & Evolving”  Creates new synergy of resources, recognizing the need to apply policy analysis and research with new innovative educational approaches to create groundbreaking methods to raise educational attainment within the region and beyond  Extends UMass Dartmouth’s reach and commitment to active involvement in improving quality of life for the region’s residents.

School of Education, Public Policy, & Civic Engagement Organizational Structure ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS  The Teaching & Learning Department  The Education Leadership Department  Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM Interdisciplinary)  Policy Studies Department CENTERS  Center for University, School, & Community Partnerships  Center for Policy Analysis  The James J. Kaput Center for Research and Innovation in Mathematics Education  Center for Civic Engagement

Presentation by E DWARD M. L AMBERT, J R. Director of the UMass Dartmouth Urban Initiative