Investing in manufacturing is investing in people. Whether it’s through maker spaces that bring production tools and entrepreneurial networking opportunities to neighborhoods, or help for manufacturing workers to access high-level job training or business development support so they can change their career outlooks, a robust manufacturing sector brings with it many paths that lead to better livelihoods and greater community innovation.

The Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA) is thrilled to be joining forces with the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC) to celebrate manufacturing as a pathway for people and neighborhoods to thrive. Our 2020 National Gathering will take place in Buffalo, New York, beneath the theme, “The People Power Behind Urban Manufacturing: Providing Positive Neighborhood Transformation.”

By using Buffalo and it’s new, state-of-the-art Northland Workforce Training Center as a centerpiece, Gathering participants will explore the ways in which stakeholders are creating local ecosystems that allow residents to build their own economic and entrepreneurial relationships with manufacturing. By examining the work of dynamic training initiatives that go beyond skills development and job placement, we’ll analyze how bringing diverse, community-based stakeholders to the workforce development table can help broaden manufacturing’s local identity, while bringing positive transformation to neighborhoods.

In addition, UMA will be building off their work with The Century Foundation, around their Industry & Inclusion 4.0 (I&I) program. I&I will research and promote the development of effective workforce and education strategies targeting an inclusive future in manufacturing. UMA will be presenting the beginning work of our cohort at the Buffalo Gathering.

The city of and practitioners in Buffalo will ground our series of events. We’re excited to feature organizations and programs such as the Northland Beltline Campus, The Foundry, Downtown Buffalo, and other urban manufacturing sites along the Beltline Rail Road. By understanding the work of these practitioners, we can see how Buffalo’s approach to supporting urban manufacturing can be an example for cities across the country.

UMA Gatherings are run as self-described “unconferences.” Instead of listening to day-long speaker and panel presentations, attendees interact through self-facilitated discussions, rapid-style presentations, and networking opportunities. Attendees will learn how to craft their own urban manufacturing agendas by joining discussions of their choice on key issues like workforce development, land use and real estate development, creative placemaking, succession planning, and beyond. UMA sees our members and Gathering attendees as expert in their work and place, and the best resource from whom to learn.