Title: Engaging Anchor Institutions in the 21st Century
Description: This thesis seeks to understand how anchor institutions can operate as drivers us sustainable economic development and champions of health equity. Specifically, it seeks to identify a successful outline for strategies, programs, and policies to connect economic activity and health outcomes to the success of institutions. Anchor institutions can have a powerful impact on urban development initiatives. These institutions are magnets for economic development; they encourage urban reinvention, civic pride and are hubs of attraction for people outside of the physical boundaries of the city. Rooted in their community, there is an entrenched social responsibility and civic engagement. The fate of such institutions is closely tied to the health and wellbeing of the surrounding neighborhood and city. Fostering collaboration between silos of government (planning and public health), anchor institutions, and communities can be a highly effective solution for urban economic development and community sustainability.

There is serious potential for collaborative innovation by government, educational or corporate institutions, and community organizations as a successful model for urban revitalization and healthy communities. New collaborative efforts combined with innovative urban policy strategies are needed if we are to make meaningful progress in the battle to enhance city life.