Aspen City Action Lab

The Aspen City Action Lab works with a select number of cities with significant Latino populations to generate long-term, inclusive economic growth through business ownership. The Lab provides city-specific data, increases collaboration, connects local leaders with federal policymakers and investors to leverage public funding and private philanthropy. Local Aspen City Steering Committees, made up of local cross-sector leaders, craft an overarching vision for inclusive growth and develop an inclusive and accountable plan of action. 

Phoenix City Initiative

The Phoenix Action Lab Steering Committee is crafting an equitable place-based corridor development and anti-displacement strategy to mitigate the effects of the South-Central Light Rail extension on Latino businesses. This intervention will include a displacement fund for businesses interested in ownership, a technical assistance program, and a marketing campaign to bring attention to this effort. 

Expected Milestones:

• Create an inventory of collectively owned and vacant properties
• Design a marketing campaign focused on re-branding the corridor 
• Develop a down-payment assistance fund for businesses looking to purchase their commercial properties 

To learn about the socioeconomic characteristics, capital landscape and place-based insights for Phoenix and our other cities visit our City Action Lab Insights Dashboards.