Vision:
The Institute places an intentional focus on livability and equity, launching programs and transforming systems that create a community where all people can thrive.
Mission:
The Institute convenes critical partners and is the central point of coordination for a long-term, multi-faceted effort to address nine domains proven to enhance livability and equity in communities.
Common elements of all Institute work include:
- Focus on Livability & Equity
- Outreach, Convening & Coordination
- Education
- Research
- Resources, Best Practices and Tools
- Policy Analysis / Policy Change
- Technical Assistance
- Regional Focus on the Miami Valley
- Secure Sustainable Funding
The lenses of livability and equity will be used to shape the work of the Institute in all of the domains critical to thriving communities. They will not be domains operating in isolation, rather they will permeate all work of the Institute. All work of the Institute will aim to improve livability and equity in the Miami Valley.
The domains are areas of focus derived from the Livable Communities framework outlined by the World Health Organization/AARP.
Institute Domains
The Dayton Foundation, utilizing Del Mar funding, created the Del Mar Encore Fellows Initiative placing recently retired professionals in nonprofits which address key significant issues such as education, literacy, diversity and inclusion, etc.
MVRPC hired the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at the Ohio State University to examine the historical context and tell the story of equity and inequity in the Miami Valley through data, maps, and other infographics. The work focused on access to opportunity as measured through five areas that make a place high in opportunity: effective transportation, living wage jobs, strong educational pathways, stable housing, and healthcare.
MVRPC created the Miami Valley Equity Initiative to promote and receive feedback on the Miami Valley Equity Regional Profile. MVRPC led discussions among many groups including: planners at the Miami Valley APA Workshop, NAACP Economic Development Committee, Ombudsman Interview on DATV, and a listening session with numerous community organizations.
The Dayton Foundation convened the Equity Design Team which worked over the course of 18 months to define critical next steps for the future of equity work in the Miami Valley.
MVRPC launched the Regional Equity Initiative under the newly formed Institute for Livable and Equitable Communities.
MVRPC was awarded the Ohio Transportation Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – Local Public Agency of the Year Award
A large advisory group comprised of leaders from the community and a wide range of agencies and organizations in the Region began to define the Mission, Vision and Core Strategies for the Regional Equity Initiative.
The Dayton Business journal recognized MVRPC as the Outstanding Diversity Champion Organization (1-99 Employees) and Executive Director, Brian O. Martin, AICP was recognized as an Individual Outstanding Diversity Champion.
The MVRPC Executive Committee and Board of Directors modified its Constitution and Bylaws to create the Institute for Livable and Equitable Communities Steering Committee (ISC). Since then, the ISC has guided and informed agency efforts to advance livability and equity across the Miami Valley.
Institute Steering Committee
The Institute Steering Committee (ISC) is a permanent committee appointed by the MVRPC Board of Directors. The ISC is responsible for working with the Executive Director and to guide the work of the Institute of Livable & Equitable Communities, or other delegated and assigned matters.
To learn more about the Institute for Livable & Equitable Communities, please contact Executive Director, Brian Martin.