Economy Stream
Advancing economic diversity through community engagement and workforce development
The Opportunity
Many residents, business, and entrepreneurs are unaware that the CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development and a conduit for resources that provides entrance to federal funding and technical assistance from agencies like the Economic Development Administration and the Public Works & Economic Adjustment Assistance Program.
The Strategy
Throughout 2021, the Economy Stream engaged over 300 community members to amplify community awareness of the CEDS. Following a series of panel discussions highlighting sectors and industry experts, multi-sector Core Teams convened to identify strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and restraints of each priority sector and to further identify objectives, strategies, and tactics that residents can take on their own, in partnership, and through legislative advocacy to elevate critical action to a more diversified and resilient economic portfolio for Hawaiʻi Island.
Click any industry below to view its Economic Development Strategy
Design Labs
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In partnership with Council Members Sue Lee Loy and Jennifer Kagiwada, Vibrant Hawaiʻi hosted three Design Labs (October 16 and November 16, 2023) at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, focusing on the growth and revitalization of the Waiākea Peninsula.
The primary objective of the Design Labs were to leverage the collective expertise and diverse perspectives of stakeholders with strong ties to the Waiākea Peninsula. Participants ranged from local community members to officials and experts across various sectors, all united by their commitment to the peninsula's future. The primary task was to develop a guiding document based on Asset Based Community Development principles, aimed at steering the peninsula's restoration and revitalization in a way that aligns with community goals.
With the goal of creating a prototype mural design, Vibrant Hawaiʻi invited their Art Fellows to document each of the Design Labs through painting and song.
Micro-Investment Awardees
In 2022, Vibrant Hawaiʻi provided financial capital to pilot ideas or scale up concepts identified for each sector in the Vibrant Hawai‘i Economic Development Strategy. The initiative was designed to support quick action to demonstrate feasibility of solutions. In reciprocity for the investment, awardees committed to supporting each other and sharing their learning journey via Unrulr, an online collaboration tool. The Micro Investment opportunity was open to all Hawai’i Island residents, businesses, nonprofits, associations, and civic groups.
Magical Deserts
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Exotic Urbanism
Brazil
Misty Mountains
Scotland