Boone County releases annual update of Upward Mobility Action Plan

BOONE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Workgroups are continuing to meet to discuss the best actions that will help Boone County residents out of poverty.

The Boone County Upward Mobility Action Plan works to reduce racial and ethnic inequities and help Boone County residents out of poverty. An annual update was released Wednesday.

The plan focuses on fair and inclusive housing, early grade literacy and jobs-and-workforce development.

Fair-and-inclusive housing

The Upward Mobility Project merged with the Affordable Housing Coalition in June to streamline efforts within the community.

Love Columbia Executive Director Jane Williams is the stakeholder facilitator for this group and said two-thirds of rent in Columbia is now more than $1,000 a month, meaning many people can't afford to live in the same community they work.

"Many people are being priced out, and there's a definite shortage of starter homes," Williams said. "So, what can we do as a community? How can we put our best thinking together and our creative ideas and generosity together to make a difference so that our neighbors can be housed?"

According to the action plan, the project's workgroup identified a need to increase affordable housing stock, implement an adopt-a-block home maintenance program and increase second-chance leasing opportunities.

Williams said while progress may be slow, the affordable housing issue is coming to light. She said the group has done an accessory dwelling unit tour and submitted policy proposals.

"We are bringing together people in talks of how can policies be changed? So, I think there have been some small wins," Williams said.

Williams said the county has also provided funds for a county-wide housing study. She said proposals are being reviewed, and a group will likely be chosen to conduct that study in the next couple months.

Early grade literacy

A workgroup is aiming to improve wraparound services for young children and improve early childhood experiences, according to the report.

It has narrowed its focus to create targeted literacy exposure to children and families and increase supports for young children, including social, emotional and behavioral support.

To implement these ideas, the workgroup plans to create a website to act as a centralized location for families to find community resources.

Jobs-and-workforce development

This workgroup determined three action plans: To implement upward mobile business practices, enhance support for those involved with the criminal justice system and increase youth leadership opportunities.

The update states the group is currently using data to determine which action to focus on first. The Boone County Community Services Department program manager is also meeting with figures in the business community to get more of an understanding for what each party needs.

Boone County's website said next steps for the Upward Mobility Action Plan include continuing to refine the plan and begin implementation of the actions listed.