1. Anchor Institutions Task Force
David J. Maurrasse
June 18, 2019
Council of Europe

2. Anchor Institutions
Are enduring organizations that remain in their geographic places, and play an integral role in their local communities and economies
Cannot easily leave, even in the midst of capital flight – universities, hospitals, arts and culture organizations, various significant employers
While objectively rooted, anchor institutions are not necessarily philosophically committed to being engaged in their localities

3. Higher Education
Institutions of higher education bring a unique blend of assets as anchors – intellectual, human, physical, economic, and social capital
The social mission of institutions of higher education prioritizes contributions to the improvement of various aspects of the human condition – knowledge to improve society
This mission can be applied locally to improve our understanding of many pertinent social concerns as well as address challenges facing localities (i.e. economic insecurity, disparities in health and education)
As institutions of higher education are interdependent with their surroundings, they are poised to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships with local stakeholders

4. Anchor Institutions Task Force (AITF)
900+
Founded in 2009, the AITF is an action-oriented learning community promoting the engagement of anchor institutions in community and economic development
AITF promotes equitable growth in communities and expanded opportunities for the most vulnerable populations
Tenth Anniversary Conference: October 24, 25, 2019 in New York City – conferences address how anchor institutions can improve educational and economic opportunities, and reduce inequities through community partnerships. This conference will also address the future of anchor leadership.

5. AITF Rationale and Values
AITF was created because there was not a space for an individually- based membership organization
AITF convenes individuals across sectors because it is important for anchor institutions, government, philanthropy, community organizations, the private sector, and others
We are also a values-driven movement organization focusing on the community engagement of anchor institutions of all types
Core values: a commitment to collaboration and partnership, equity and social justice, democratic practice, and place

6. AITF’s Professional Development Subgroups
Health professionals (U. Penn, U. Maryland-Baltimore, Nationwide Children’s, U. Chicago, FIU, SBH. U. Connecticut, Association of American Medical Colleges)
Higher education presidents (Augsburg, Rutgers-Newark, Rutgers-Camden, Wagner, U. San Diego, Illinois-Urbana, Nebraska-Omaha, Miami Dade College, Queens College, Lehman College)
Economic development executives (Syracuse, St. Thomas, U. Penn, Rutgers- Newark, Harvard, Grinnell, Case Western, Cleveland State. U. San Diego)

7. AITF Explorations
Types of Anchors: AITF continually broadens the types of anchors represented in the network and featured at conferences
Global: AITF includes global members, and is collaborating to organize meetings outside of the U.S. in collaboration with international partners (e.g. the Council of Europe)
Local Strategic Dialogues: Inspired by European meetings, AITF has launched a framework for thematic local meetings to stimulate unprecedented anchor collaboration around pressing issues in various communities (San Diego – affordable housing)
Publications: AITF publishes the Journal on Anchor Institutions and Communities and periodically publishes literature reviews
Substantive Areas: AITF continually addresses the role of anchor institutions in education, health, and economic development; as the field evolves, AITF has been exploring additional areas (i.e. the role of local government in anchor partnerships, multi-anchor partnerships, the arts, racial equity, the future of anchor leadership, financial institutions)

8. Directions
AITF was created in order to be a big tent for the individuals committed to the engagement of universities and other anchors; AITF is based on individual memberships and easy to join
These individuals represent anchor institutions as well as the various institutions and organizations in the field represented at this meeting
Perhaps there is an opportunity for similar networking in Europe and other parts of the world
The AITF continues to maintain an interest in working with those encouraging anchor institutions to deepen their contributions to their local communities and to connect them globally

9. Contact www.margainc.com AITF: www.margainc.com/aitf/ Twitter
@aitaskforce
@margainc