NGIN’s Small and Midsized City Hub (SMC Hub) is an initiative that offers a suite of programs, technical assistance, resources, and tools to support economic and community leaders build healthy, thriving communities in cities with populations ranging from 50,000 to 500,000.
Learn. Explore. Activate In Place. (LEAP)
LEAP is a five-day immersive professional development program for economic and community leaders. Participants visit a leading city, engage in hands-on workshops, and network with peers to explore how smaller cities (up to 500,000 residents) are driving innovation and expanding economic opportunities. All travel and logistics covered.
Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this program is part of NGIN's Small and Midsized Cities Hub—an initiative that offers a suite of programs, technical assistance, resources, and tools to support economic developers build healthy, thriving communities.
Applications for the Summer 2025 Session are open. Deadline to apply: March 10th, 2025.
Economic Inclusion Incubator
The Economic Inclusion Incubator provides Small and Midsized Cities with in-depth, customized support, technical assistance, and funding to implement inclusive economic development initiatives.
Following a national call for applications, four cities were selected, including Dayton, Ohio,; Savannah, Georgia; Tacoma, Washington, and Utica, New York.
Cityscapes Summit
The NGIN Cityscapes Summit is an event that brings together leaders from Small and Midsized Cities to explore inclusive economic development strategies. Attendees engage in dynamic workshops, inspiring keynotes, and networking opportunities to share insights and solutions for driving equitable growth.
Reports & Insights
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Inclusive Procurement Practices for Small and Midsize Cities: Advocacy Brief
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Communication Resource Guide for Inclusive Economic Development
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Capital for Inclusive Development in Small and Midsize Cities
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Navigating the Complexities of Inclusive Growth in Statewide Initiatives for Small and Midsized Cities
SMC Practitioner Spotlights
Explore our SMC Practitioner Spotlights, where we feature city leaders dedicated to fostering more inclusive economies.
Meet the Team
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M. Yasmina McCarty
CEO AND PRESIDENT
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Swati Ghosh
VICE PRESIDENT
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Sean Thompson
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
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Bernita Johnson Gabriel
SENIOR ADVISOR
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Betsey Suchanic
ADVISOR
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Autumne Sneed-Lyons
MARKETING AND EVENTS COORDINATOR
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Taylor Dudley
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) supports efforts to create healthier communities by improving the physical, economic, and social conditions that help residents thrive. With RWJF’s generous support, NGIN’s Small and Midsized Cities (SMC) Hub offers a suite of programs, technical assistance, resources, and tools to support economic developers build healthy, thriving communities.
