A university-sponsored economic development forum Aug. 26 will focus on what west Louisville needs, how to finance projects and ways to turn community vision into reality. A Missouri congressman who worked for Kansas City redevelopment will give the program鈥檚 keynote talk.
UofL鈥檚 College of Arts and Sciences is offering the public event, 鈥淭he Future of Our Community: West Louisville Economic Development Forum, Part II,鈥 at the Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St. The program runs from 8:30 a.m. check-in to 2:30 p.m.
鈥淭his whole intent of 鈥楾he Future of Our Community鈥 really brings together the community leaders with the people who have resources and have the ability to make things happen,鈥 event organizer Clest Lanier said.
鈥淧eople need to say what they want. I think we鈥檙e going to learn a whole lot,鈥 she said.
Forum breakout sessions will focus on identifying community needs, financing large projects, helping small businesses and updating the status of current and new projects. Panelists will include area residents, developers, financiers, entrepreneurs and government and community organization representatives.
The program concludes with a 1:15 p.m. luncheon talk by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a development activist and city council member who became Kansas City, Missouri’s first African American mayor in 1981 and now is serving his sixth congressional term. The congressman will talk about championing redevelopment efforts for Kansas City鈥檚 18th and Vine jazz district that was once the heart of the city鈥檚 black business zone.
Advance registration is required by Aug. 15 for the forum, which includes breakfast and lunch. Participants should visit and pay by check; fees are $60 for corporate representatives, $50 for individuals and $40 for students.
