Abstract for: Using Systems Science to Foster Social and Economic Equity in Cincinnati

This talk presents an innovative framework to close the wealth gap by aligning place-based investments that improve economic, health and social outcomes. The recommendations reflect community experience and align with public and private priorities. We utilized group model building and causal loop diagrams with community leaders to map how systems produce place-based social and economic inequity. Using system dynamics modeling we created predictive models to explore solutions. We organized economic and social strategies by three critical areas: educational and community resources, financial stability and asset building.Community driven data underscores the potential for targeted investments that empower residents, foster asset building and create pathways to generational wealth. This process created a 'middle space' for stakeholders at all levels to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play and co-create solutions that have both community and stakeholder buy-in.