Q&As

RPA: Creating Change Through Integrating Long-Range, Regional Planning, and Advocacy

As RPA holds its annual Assembly to convene stakeholders across the region this week, we sat down with RPA President and CEO Tom Wright to discuss RPA’s unique approach, the battles it’s fought, and the partnerships it’s built. Along the way, Tom explains how RPA is a little like a submarine, why the solution for better airport access lies in looking west, and how and why RPA works to promote ideas whose time has not yet come.
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ICA Fund: Building an Economy That Works for All by Accelerating Small Businesses

Communities of color and women have fewer opportunities for wealth creation. ICA Fund addresses this problem by providing coaching, connections, and capital to grow Bay Area businesses while also closing racial and gender wealth gaps. We sat down with ICA Fund CEO Allison Kelly to discuss ICA Fund’s model, how it differs from traditional finance institutions, and where they're headed in 2023+
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Feedback Labs: Making Feedback and Listening the Norm in Aid, Philanthropy, Nonprofits, and Government

Feedback and listening aren’t nice-to-haves for nonprofit organizations, funders, aid groups, and governmental agencies; they’re essential if organizations are to effectively serve the community and to center their work on equity. We sat down with Feedback Labs’ CEO Britt Lake to discuss Feedback Labs’ model, priorities, and the benefits that come from listening and acting on feedback.
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A New Leader at Summit Public Schools

On the twentieth anniversary of Summit Public Schools, we interviewed Cady Ching, Summit’s incoming CEO. Cady has been a teacher, mentor, school leader and network executive, as well as a parent in Summit’s local community. In our conversation, Cady reflects on Summit’s values, the role that her identity and background play in her work, how she’s been preparing for her new role, and her goals and priorities for Summit.
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BRIC: Supporting Community and Economy Vibrancy through Technology and Entrepreneurship

We sat down with Marguerite Dibble, a native Vermonter, entrepreneur, and interim executive director at the Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) to find out what makes the Precision Valley special, what BRIC is doing to leverage community assets and values, and what other rural communities can learn from BRIC’s experience.
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