Prototyping Equity
Local strategies for a more inclusive innovation economy
September 2025
Exit Planning for Manufacturers Tool
September 2025 – Ongoing
UMA’s 2025 Regional Convening: Austin
Industry & Inclusion South Spring Gathering
April 2025
Industry & Inclusion South Launch Commentary
April 2025
State Small Business Credit Initiative
Making it Work for American Manufacturers
February 2025
Key Takeaways from UMA's 2024 Regional Convening: Detroit
Co-Creating Conditions for an Inclusive Workforce
June 2024
Key Takeaways from UMA’s 2023 National Gathering: Baltimore
Manufacturing Power: Levers for inclusive action through production economies
June 2024
Key Takeaways from UMA’s 2022 National Gathering: Houston
Manufacturing Resilience: Ecosystem Strategies for Building Community
May 2024
Daniel Hernandez Revives a Century-Old Milwaukee Manufacturer
January 2024
From Wall Street to Welding: Lucy Minturn’s Journey to Owning FosterWorks
January 2024
How Mike Vindler Transformed Tronix3D into a Design-to-Manufacturing Powerhouse
January 2024
Reviving Precision: How Bob Petrini Transformed Chick Machine
January 2024
I&I Roundtable Conversations Summary: Bishop State Community College
Laying the Foundation for Inclusive Workforce Partnerships in Mobile, Alabama
November 2023
I&I Roundtable Conversations Summary: Sierra College
Crosscutting Solutions for a More Inclusive Manufacturing Ecosystem
November 2023
I&I Roundtable Conversations Summary: Lorain County Community College
Building an Inclusive Manufacturing Sector in Northeast Ohio
July 2023
Community Resilience through Small Scale Manufacturing
An Introduction for Smaller Legacy Cities
April 2023
Inclusive Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing
Lessons Learned from UMA’s Made with Equity Initiative
February 2023
SSBCI 2.0
A New Capital Tool for Revitalizing and Diversifying Manufacturing
January 2023
Building Resilience through Career Transitions in Orlando
December 2022
North Baton Rouge Industrial Training Initiative (NBRITI)
Centering Community for Economic Mobility
December 2022
How the Chips and Science Act Will Make Inclusive Innovation Possible
November 2022
Reclaiming Buffalo’s Industrial Legacy with a Focus on Racial & Economic Inclusion
Moving Forward with Shared Gains
October 2022
The Challenge of Business Succession in Manufacturing and the Opportunities for Diversifying Ownership
August 2022
Key Takeaways from UMA’s 2021 Detroit Design Jam
July 2022
Community Colleges Collaborate to Advance Racial Equity in Manufacturing
May 2022
Seeding, Starting, and Scaling Local Branding Initiatives
A study of economic development strategies that establish manufacturing entrepreneurial ecosystems
April 2022
Nontraditional Underwriting Standards
December 2021
Inclusive Capital for Manufacturers
Advancing Racial Equity and Community Wealth Building through a Sector-Based Approach to Capital Access
December 2021
How Jessica Graves Turned a Personal Skin Problem into a Growing Business
November 2021
Manufacturing's Emerging Partners: Webinar
An Industry & Inclusion Webinar by UMA & The Century Foundation
June 2021
Centering Equity in Our Federal Strategy for Urban Manufacturing
June 2021
Lifting Others Up: Shellie McKinney’s Impact at Rexnord
Human Resources Business Partner, Rexnord Industries
June 2021
Bill Swan’s Journey: Finding Purpose and Passion in Manufacturing
Training & Development Specialist, Swagelok
June 2021
Julia Culkin’s Journey with Northland Workforce Training Center
Vice President of Human Resources, PCB Piezotronics
June 2021
Paying It Forward: How Torres Hughes Found His Path in Manufacturing
Industry Coordinator, Manufacturing Renaissance
June 2021
How MxD Is Shaping the Future of Manufacturing Through Education and Innovation
Train for what’s next
June 2021
Sean Manzanares’ Path from Technical Education to Autodesk Success
Senior Manager Business Strategy & Marketing, Autodesk
June 2021
Martha Barry’s Mission to Unlearn Racism and Inspire Change
Chief Racial Justice Officer, YWCA
June 2021
Early College, Early Career: Bridging Education and Manufacturing for Ohio’s Youth
Revitalizing STEM education, growing manufacturing companies, and strengthening communities.
June 2021
Training for Success: How WRTP|BIG STEP is Strengthening Milwaukee’s Skilled Trades
Industry Led, Worker Centered, and Community Focused.
June 2021
JARC: Bridging Skills Gaps and Fostering Equity in Chicago Manufacturing
Promoting strong communities, businesses, and households to ensure that people who work do not live in poverty.
June 2021
Building the Future: How LIFT is Transforming Manufacturing Education and Workforce Development
Driving American Technology and Talent Into the Future
June 2021
Engaging Youth and Communities in Manufacturing Pathways
Science Curriculum Director, UPrep Academy
June 2021
Strum Contracting: Forging Opportunity Through Partnership
COO, Strum Contracting
June 2021
Union Roots, Industry Impact: Joe Nicosia’s Mission to Strengthen Manufacturing Careers
Manufacturing Coordinator, WRTP|BIG STEP
June 2021
Paul Mefford’s Mission to Build a Diverse Workforce at Dow
Global M&E Learning and Talent Development Leader, The Dow Chemical Company
June 2021
Strength in Unity: How Deltrol’s Female Apprentices Are Shaping Milwaukee’s Manufacturing Future
Operations Manager & IMT Journey Worker, Milwaukee
June 2021
Building Futures in Buffalo: How Northland Workforce Training Center is Building a Skilled Workforce
Where innovative manufacturers forge their futures
June 2021
Quality and Confidence: How Jana Bernard is Making Her Mark in Manufacturing
Quality Inspector, Elyria Plastics
June 2021
Building a Cyber-Resilient Future: Donna Ruginski’s Partnership with MxD
Executive Director Cybersecurity Initiatives, University of Maryland Baltimore County
June 2021
From City Bus to CNC Mentor: How One Question Changed Adonis Summerville’s Life
Senior Manufacturing Instructor, Jane Addams Resource Center
June 2021
Manufacturing Workforce Strategies for Building an Inclusive Future
June 2021
From Stacking Soap to Welding Steel: Anna Hawkins’ Journey to a Hands-On Future
Trainee, Jane Addams Resource Center
June 2021
Webinar Recap: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Every Level of Manufacturing
June 2021
From Tour to Career: How Matot’s Partnership with Manufacturing Renaissance Is Inspiring the Next Generation
President, Matot
June 2021
A Career Next Door: Lina Cedasero’s Path to CNC Success
Trainee, Jane Addams Resource Center
June 2021
How Deon Hamilton and LIFT Are Shaping the Future of Manufacturing in Detroit
Global Account Manager, Siemens
June 2021
Turning Talent Into a Renewable Resource: Rebekah Kowalski's Workforce Strategy
Vice President, Manpower Manufacturing, ManpowerGroup
June 2021
Career Transitions Made Easier: Ashleigh Watson’s Focus on Workforce Inclusivity
People and Culture Director, MxD
June 2021
David Polk’s Mission to Inspire the Next Generation in Manufacturing
Apprenticeship Director, Milwaukee Area Technical College
June 2021
Damon Holmes’ Mission to Prepare Students for the Future
Principal, Ginn Academy
June 2021
From Classroom to Career: Monica Rosas’ Journey Toward Becoming a Welding Engineer
Trainee, LIFT
June 2021
Building Pathways to Success: How Manufacturing Renaissance Empowers Chicago’s Youth
Building partnerships, creating futures, advancing sustainable development anchored in manufacturing.
June 2021
Finding Her Path: Kayla Cole’s Manufacturing Journey
Trainee, Manufacturing Renaissance
June 2021
Guiding Success: Wade Smith's Role as Northland Workforce Training Center’s Career Coach
Career Coach, Northland Workforce Training Center
June 2021
Revitalizing Milwaukee’s Workforce in the Menomonee River Valley
Envisioning a thriving Valley with a well-balanced mix of industrial, recreational, and entertainment uses that strengthen Milwaukee
June 2021
More Than a Job: How Dee Dee Jones Helps Trainees Build Meaningful Careers
Industry Coordinator, Manufacturing Renaissance
June 2021
Finding Her Path: How Northland Workforce Training Center Transformed Vanessa Hall’s Career and Life
Trainee, Northland Workforce Training Center & Harmac Employee
June 2021
Coaching for Success: How Rahim Nichols Guides ECEC Interns Toward Excellence
Trainee, Internship Coach, ECEC
June 2021
Guiding Success: How Marianne Donoghue Prepares Students for Manufacturing Careers
Learning Lab Director, LIFT
June 2021
Partnership and Progress: Harmac’s Commitment to Buffalo’s Community and Workforce
President/CEO, Harmac Medical Products
June 2021
Building Local Economic Resilience Through Local Brand Initiatives
May 2021
Centering Federal Industrial Policy in Racial Justice and Community Development
UMA’s First Federal Policy Agenda
April 2021
Manufacturing's Emerging Partners
Faith-Informed Organizations Supporting Employment and Entrepreneurship
April 2021
Partnership and Relationship Innovation to Build Race-Conscious Advanced Manufacturing Training Programs
The final webinar for the Urban Manufacturing Alliance and The Century Foundation’s Industry & Inclusion cohort program
March 2021
Webinar Recap: Partnering to Build Race-Conscious Manufacturing Training Programs
March 2021
Forging Fairness: Pathways Panel Discussion Webinar
How Community-Based Lenders are Centering Both Inclusion and Manufacturing to Promote Equity
March 2021
Key Takeaways from UMA's 2020 Virtual Design Jam: New York & Detroit
March 2021
Private Sector Guarantees and Guarantee Pools
Pathways to Patient Capital Fireside Chat
February 2021
How Employers Can Train, Hire, and Retain Formerly Incarcerated Talent
February 2021
Pathways to Patient Capital: Impact Note
Multi-Stakeholder Approaches to Capital Deployment
January 2021
Pathways to Patient Capital: Circular Lending
Multi-Stakeholder Approaches to Capital Deployment
January 2021
Webinar recap: Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Manufacturing Credentialing and Technology
December 2020
Sewn Trades Manufacturing in the United States
From Pre-Covid State of the Industry to the Frontline Responses to PPE Demands
December 2020
Creating the Future Manufacturing Workforce by Enhancing Diversity and Addressing the Skills Shortage
Industry & Inclusion Q3 Webinar Takeaways
November 2020
Webinar recap: Creating the Future Manufacturing Workforce by Enhancing Diversity and Addressing the Skills Shortage
Industry & Inclusion Q3 Webinar Takeaways
November 2020
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Every Level of Manufacturing
October 2020
Akiya: Prepared for the Next Job Ahead
October 2020
Integrating Self-Storage Development Without Displacing Industrial Uses in Urban Areas: Lessons from San Francisco, New York City, and Miami
October 2020
Webinar Recap: Explicitly Centering Racial Equity in your Workforce Training Organization
October 2020
Explicitly Centering Racial Equity in your Workforce Training Organization
A Webinar by UMA and The Century Foundation
September 2020
Makerspaces in Action
A community-based response to the pandemic
August 2020
Launching A Neighborhood Place-Based Entrepreneurship Center
An Action-Based Playbook for Building Successful Entrepreneur-Serving Hubs in Emerging Urban Communities
August 2020
Racial Equity & Advancing the Future of Manufacturing
A Launch Commentary from UMA and The Century Foundation
August 2020
Pursuing Equity, Inclusion, and Industrial Rebirth in the Age of COVID-19
June 2020
Exit and Succession Planning Strategies to Preserve Equity
June 2020
Creating & Preserving Urban Industrial Space
June 2020
How to Develop a Local Manufacturing Youth Internship Program
Sharing insights to help transform industrial buildings and space into places where urban manufacturing thrives and communities can grow
June 2020
Mission Driven Industrial Development
Sharing insights to help transform industrial buildings and space into places where urban manufacturing thrives and communities can grow
June 2020
From Global Insights to Local Impact: How Two Women Are Expanding Entrepreneurship in Western North Carolina
Mountain Bizworks
May 2020
Forging Fairness
How community-based lenders are centering both inclusion and manufacturing to promote equity
May 2020
Funding, Coaching, and Community: WWBIC’s Holistic Approach to Small Business Success
Loaning to the Person, Not Just to the Business
May 2020
Investing in Equity: Allison Kelly’s Vision for Inclusive Entrepreneurship
CEO, ICA Fund Good Jobs
May 2020
Building a Stronger Maker Community: How Nashville Made Supports Local Producers
As Much About Making Community As About Making Things
May 2020
From Combat Medic to Community Leader: Pree-Stinson’s Mission for Financial Liberation
Association for Black Economic Power
May 2020
Championing Local Production: Audra Ladd’s Mission to Support Nashville’s Makers
Nashville Made
May 2020
Karleen Porcena’s Mission to Fund and Empower Small Businesses
Title, LISC Boston
May 2020
Closing the Wealth Gap: ICA’s Innovative Approach to Small Business Investment
Convertible Debt With Wraparound Entrepreneurship Support Services
May 2020
From Entrepreneur to Advocate: Lars Kuehnow’s Mission for Inclusive Growth
CLISC Duluth
May 2020
Breaking Barriers to Business: Build Institute’s Mission for Inclusive Growth
Reaching deep into communities to find and meet entrepreneurs where they are, inclusively
May 2020
From Industrial Past to Economic Future: Transforming Jacksonville’s Rail Yard District
Invigorating a Commercial District to Create Economic Opportunity for Adjacent Neighborhoods
May 2020
ORIGINS: Creating Pathways for Black Makers and Manufacturers
Bridgeway Capital
May 2020
Revitalizing Jacksonville’s Rail Yard District: A Community-Driven Comeback
LISC Jacksonville
May 2020
Jacquise Purifoy and Build Institute’s Fight for Economic Equity
Build Institute
May 2020
Rooted in Community: How Renee Lindner and WWBIC Empower Milwaukee’s Entrepreneurs
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation
May 2020
Bridging the Gap: How Mountain BizWorks Expands Access to Capital for Underserved Entrepreneurs
May 2020
Redefining Wealth: How the ABEP is Reshaping Economic Power in Minneapolis
Pushing Boundaries in the Name of Racial Economic Justice
May 2020
From Small Loans to Big Opportunities: NEU’s Impact on Local Entrepreneurs
With focus at the institution, anchors can drive significant business to small vendors
May 2020
From Success to Inclusion: Making Duluth’s Craft Business District More Diverse
Working to Make a Craft Business District Inclusive
May 2020
Democratizing Capital: How Nia Evans is Reshaping Community Wealth
Director, Boston UJIMA Project
May 2020
From Passion to Profit: How ORIGINS is Transforming Creative Businesses in Pittsburgh
When You Build It But They Don’t Come (Yet)
May 2020
Power to the People: Ujima Project’s Bold Approach to Community-Led Investment
May 2020
Key Takeaways from UMA's 2019 Regional Convening: Pittsburgh
Transforming Communities through Mission Driven Industrial Development
February 2020
Key Takeaways from UMA's 2019 Regional Convening: St. Louis
Laying the Foundation for Innovative Capital Programs
February 2020
Pathways to Patient Capital: Character-Based Lending
January 2020
Key Takeaways from UMA’s 2019 National Gathering: Milwaukee
Building New Narratives for Manufacturing
January 2020
All About the Jobs
Mission Driven Industrial Developers on How Their Spaces Anchor Manufacturers & Support Local Economies
November 2019
Building Opportunity: The Transformation of 7800 Susquehanna into a Manufacturing Hub
November 2019
Revitalizing Brooklyn: How GMDC Creates Jobs Through Industrial Spaces
November 2019
From Vacant Warehouses to Thriving Makerspace: The Transformation of Circle City Industrial Complex
November 2019
150 Hooper Street: Pioneering Affordable Manufacturing Space in San Francisco
November 2019
Reviving St. Louis Industry: The Challenges Faced by Brick City Makes
November 2019
Equinox Studios: A Community-Driven Model for Affordable Arts & Manufacturing Spaces
November 2019
Indigo Block: Bridging Housing and Industry for Economic Growth
November 2019
From Factories to Makerspaces: The Transformation of MaKen Studios in Philly
November 2019
Key Takeaways from UMA's Inaugural 2019 Design Jam: Cincinnati
September 2019
State of Urban Manufacturing National Report
July 2019
Moving Towards Equitable Maker Ecosystems
The Role of Local Branding Organizations
April 2019
Advancing Equitable Innovation in Houston
Local Strategies to Support Urban Manufacturing and Inclusive Growth
December 2018
Key Takeaways from UMA’s 2018 National Gathering: Pittsburgh
Building Coalitions to Create Equitable Manufacturing Ecosystems
September 2018
Equitable Capital Access Models
September 2018
Mapping Milwaukee's Manufacturing Support Ecosystem
June 2018
Mapping Cincinnati's Manufacturing Support Ecosystem
June 2018
Mapping Baltimore's Manufacturing Support Ecosystem
June 2018
State of Urban Manufacturing City Snapshot: Cincinnati
June 2018
Mapping Detroit's Manufacturing Support Ecosystem
June 2018
Mapping Philadelphia's Manufacturing Support Ecosystem
June 2018
State of Urban Manufacturing City Snapshot: Baltimore
June 2018
Baltimore’s 1100 Wicomico Building
June 2018
State of Urban Manufacturing City Snapshot: Detroit
June 2018
State of Urban Manufacturing City Snapshot: Portland
Analyzing the industrial ecosystem in Portland
June 2018
Mapping Portland's Manufacturing Support Ecosystem
June 2018
State of Urban Manufacturing City Snapshot: Milwaukee
June 2018
Key Takeaways from UMA's 2017 National Gathering: Seattle
Localism as an Engine for Production Economies
March 2018
Scaling Small: Buddha Babe’s Journey to Sustainable, Local Manufacturing
January 2018
Stitching Opportunity: Reviving Baltimore’s Apparel Industry Through Community Leadership
January 2018
Rebuilding Futures: How Nehemiah Manufacturing Turns Second Chances into Success
January 2018
Building More Than Gates: A Detroit Manufacturer’s Vision for Community and Design
January 2018
Sweet Success: Overcoming Barriers to Build a Thriving Baking Business
January 2018
Blending Art, Tech, and Innovation: Milwaukee’s Design Fugitives on the Cutting Edge
January 2018
An Urban Revival
How Land Use Tools & Real Estate Strategies are Fueling the Resurgence of Light Manufacturing in Greater Boston
January 2018
Industrial Real Estate Best Practice
Strategies to preserve industrial space, grow and modernize building stock, and maintain affordability in your city’s industrial real estate.
November 2017
Artisan Zoning
November 2017
Making, Scaling, and Inclusion
What will it take to bring an equitable innovation economy to scale?
November 2017
Manufacturing Promotion and Engagement
Strategies to reach out to your manufacturers, workforce, and your community to sustain and grow your city’s manufacturing ecosystem.
November 2017
State of Urban Manufacturing City Snapshot: Philadelphia
November 2017
How to Balance Cannabis Production Within Your Industrial Community
August 2017
Key Takeaways from UMA's 2017 Regional Convening: Somerville
Making, Scaling and Inclusion
June 2017
Discovering Your City's Maker Economy
January 2017
Key Takeaways from UMA's 2016 National Gathering: Indianapolis
Promoting Equity Through Urban Manufacturing
September 2016
Equity and Inclusion in Urban Manufacturing
May 2016
Making the Model
Organizational Structures for Local Branding Platforms
April 2016
Equitable Innovation Economies City Snapshot: New York
Building a 21st Century Production Economy for All New Yorkers
January 2016
Equitable Innovation Economies City Snapshot: Portland
Cultivating Diverse Leaders and an Inclusive Startup Culture
January 2016
Equitable Innovation Economies City Snapshot: San Jose
Cultivating Diverse Leaders and an Inclusive Startup Culture
January 2016
Equitable Innovation Economies City Snapshot: Indianapolis
Closing Opportunity Gaps through Industrial Redevelopment
January 2015
Key Takeaways from UMA's 2014 National Gathering: Philadelphia
October 2014
Non-Profit Real Estate Development
Stable, affordable Space for Manufacturing
May 2014
How to Develop a Locally-Made Brand Platform
May 2013
Key Takeaways from UMA's 2012 Inaugural Gathering: New York
October 2012