The Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy held a webinar on January 30, 2025, on theoretical and applied models of inclusive governance. The program is available here: https://rockinst.org/rig-events/2025-events/inclusive-governance-frameworks-policies-practices-that-foster-social-cohesion-trust-and-belonging/
Local governments that can employ inclusive governance increase citizens’ trust, build resilient communities, and promote social well-being and cohesion. United, organized, and well-connected communities overcome challenges, strengthen social capital, leverage their human capital and assets productively, and avoid waste and gaps associated with disconnected and fragmented communities. Governments expect to (a) govern responsibly by including immigrant social integration goals in their strategic and implementation plans, (b) conduct regular needs assessments of their communities, (c) communicate inclusive messages about the value immigrants bring; (d) include members of the immigrant community in planning, developing, implementing and evaluating their strategic and operational plans; (e) ensure the institutionalization of mechanisms through which the needs of immigrant members of the community are addressed; (f) institute policies and practices that protect them from exploitation and discrimination; and (g) monitor, evaluate, and audit the implementation of policies and practices to root out any exclusionary approaches.
Panelists:
• Beroro T. Efekoro, Albany County Legislator, District 7
• Nele Feldmann, Director, Welcome Corps on Campus, Community Sponsorship Hub
• David Khoudour, Human Mobility Advisor within the Recovery Solutions and Human Mobility Team at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• Wooksoo Kim, Director, Immigrant and Refugee Research Institute (IRRI)
• Guillermo Martinez, Deputy Director & Intergovernmental Liaison, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy
• Luis E. Montes, Former Assistant Deputy County Executive, Suffolk County, New York
• Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy