“Eds and meds” are the conventional anchors—and remain the focus of most anchor initiatives. But a few arts and culture organizations, such as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, are beginning to change the narrative, claiming seats at anchor collaboration tables in their cities and begging the question—why aren’t more arts and culture organizations adopting anchor strategies? Read More

This blog was first published by Johns Hopkins' 21st Century Cities Initiative, and describes anchor institutions, their potential roles in reducing economic and neighborhood inequality, and examples of partnerships between anchor institutions and local government. Read More

The relationship between universities and their surrounding communities can often prove challenging, with both groups struggling to find a common language for communicating needs and opportunities. In Washington, D.C., Howard University has long had a complex and multilayered relationship with the LeDroit Park neighborhood, located immediately southeast of the university. Read More

At any given point in time, there are at least a few thousand job openings at anchor institutions in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Approximately half of these are entry-level positions. Normally this would be great news for a community. If jobs are plentiful, it must mean the local economy is doing well—right? Yet, it’s not that straightforward. Read More

Linking inner city businesses to strong regional clusters. Engaging anchor institutions to create shared value. Connecting inner city companies to appropriate growth capital and contracting opportunities. Supporting management education and strengthening business networks. At ICIC, we talk at length about these drivers of inner city economic development as strategies crucial for ... Read More