UCA’s Center for Community and Economic Development partnered with the
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis- Little Rock Branch to co-host the Federal Reserve’s 2012 Exploring Innovation Week in Little Rock on March 22. Amy Whitehead, Coordinator for CCED, and Andrew Pack, Community Affairs Specialist for the Federal Reserve Bank, screened the documentary Urbanized for over 25 community and economic development professionals from the state of Arkansas. The documentary explored the issues and strategies behind urban design and features some of the world’s foremost architects, planners, policymakers, builders and thinkers. Following the screening, a facilitated discussion led by Whitehead and Pack, focused on populations trends, community consensus-building, place-making strategies, and
innovative approaches to local development efforts.
Exploring Innovation 2012 was attended by community and economic developers, lenders, investors and others community leaders. The annual conference strives to illustrate how innovation can result in new finance models, highlight industry best practices and serves as a catalyst for future discussions around topics of significant importance to community development.