What is Welcoming Roanoke?
Roanoke was among 13 communities selected by New American Economy (NAE) and Welcoming America to receive awards through the Gateways for Growth Challenge. As part of this award, Roanoke received support to create the Welcoming Roanoke Plan, which serves as the City’s multi-sector strategic plan for integration that highlights and enhances the economic contributions immigrants make to the community.
Welcoming Roanoke Plan Final 03.15.21Welcoming America
Welcoming America is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that proudly supports the many diverse communities and partners who are leading efforts to make their communities more vibrant places for all. Welcoming America connects leaders in community, government, and nonprofit sectors through an international support network.
Roanoke is part of the 55+ cities and counties across the United States that are part of the Welcoming Cities and Counties initiative with the goal to create more inclusive and immigrant-friendly communities, maximize opportunities for economic growth, and position themselves as competitive in the global economy.
Learn more at WelcomingAmerica.org.
New American Economy
New American Economy (NAE) is a bipartisan research and advocacy organization fighting for smart federal, state, and local immigration policies that help grow our economy and create jobs for all Americans. NAE does this through research, grassroots efforts, partnerships with state and local leaders, and highlighting immigrant contributions to American culture.
Learn more at NewAmericanEconomy.org.
Local Partners
To help create the Welcoming Roanoke plan, the City is relying on local partners to reach out to local immigrant and hard-to-reach populations. These partners include:
- Local Colors
- Blue Ridge Literacy
- Commonwealth Catholic Charities
- Refugee Dialogue Committee
If you or your organization would like to assist with outreach please contact:
Wayne Leftwich
Senior City Planner
540-853-1104
wayne.leftwich@roanokeva.gov.
New Americans in Roanoke
Research from New American Economy shows that immigrant households have made substantial economic contributions to the Roanoke Region. The report was produced in partnership with the City of Roanoke and Local Colors, a non-profit that celebrates the city’s diversity.
If you’d like more information, please contact:
Katie Hedrick
Community Inclusion Coordinator
Office: 540-853-1283
Kathryn.hedrick@roanokeva.gov
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