City Exchange is an immersive, in-person convening designed for sharing knowledge from coalition-led, place-based economic development initiatives in Southeast MI and Western NY. Its primary purpose is to leverage experiences from both markets to accelerate learning and elevate strategic outcomes. City Exchange provides a dynamic, inspiring experience that builds relationships and provides practical knowledge for advancing current and future work - through an equity lens.

In 2023, the first City Exchange was hosted in Buffalo, NY by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the John R. Oishei Foundation, in partnership with University of Buffalo Regional Institute and Larkin Development Group. In 2024, both foundations are collaborating on City Exchange II, which will take place in Detroit with support from Invest Detroit and Co.act Detroit.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation supports equitable and collaborative approaches to economic development, including the exchange of knowledge from key initiatives in Southeast Michigan and Western New York.

The John R. Oishei Foundation supports a diverse group of hard-working organizations and individuals, all dedicated to building a thriving community. The foundation works with communities to change systems and build financial prosperity for a racially just, vibrant Buffalo-Niagara region.

Client: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation

313c services: convening concept, program design & event production, graphic design, branding & network development, convening facilitation, capture & summary