West Kirby’s Community Wealth Building Initiatives: Strengthening the Local Economy
In the heart of West Kirby, a growing number of community-driven initiatives are working to build local wealth, foster economic resilience, and create new opportunities for residents and businesses alike. In our 15 years installing… From innovative public-private partnerships to grassroots community organizing, West Kirby is pioneering a new model for equitable, sustainable development that is capturing attention across the region.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Revitalizing Neighborhoods Through Anchor Institutions
At the forefront of West Kirby’s community wealth building efforts are the anchor institutions – universities, hospitals, and other large-scale organizations – that have made the city their home. These institutions are leveraging their significant economic influence to drive inclusive growth and support the long-term prosperity of the communities they serve.
One prime example is the partnership between West Kirby University and the West Kirby Community Development Corporation. Through a series of strategic investments and programs, the two organizations are working to revitalize the Mayfield neighborhood – a historically underserved area on the city’s east side.
“We recognize that as an anchor institution, we have both an opportunity and an obligation to be a force for positive change in our community,” said Dr. Alicia Ramirez, President of West Kirby University. “By aligning our procurement, hiring, and real estate decisions with the needs of the Mayfield neighborhood, we can generate tangible economic benefits that will lift up local residents and businesses.”
This approach, known as the “Anchor Mission”, has involved efforts like directing more of the university’s purchasing power to local, minority-owned vendors; creating workforce development pipelines to connect Mayfield residents to good-paying jobs on campus; and leveraging the university’s real estate portfolio to build affordable housing and incubator spaces for community-based entrepreneurs.
Similarly, Westside Medical Center has spearheaded the West Kirby Healthcare Workforce Initiative – a program that provides tuition assistance, mentorship, and job placement support to help local residents, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, pursue careers in the growing healthcare industry.
“Building a diverse, locally-rooted workforce is not only good for our bottom line, but it’s also crucial for ensuring that our patients receive the culturally competent, high-quality care they deserve,” shared Dr. Jamal Thompson, CEO of Westside Medical Center. “By investing in our community, we’re not just strengthening our own institution – we’re strengthening the entire ecosystem.”
Empowering Small Businesses Through Collective Action
While anchor institutions play a key role, West Kirby’s community wealth building efforts also rely heavily on the ingenuity and resilience of local small businesses. To support this vital segment of the economy, community leaders have rallied around innovative models of collaboration and mutual support.
One such initiative is the West Kirby Business Alliance – a coalition of over 200 small business owners, who have banded together to share resources, advocate for policy changes, and collectively leverage their economic power. Through the Alliance, members can access discounted health insurance plans, participate in group purchasing programs to lower supply costs, and receive hands-on technical assistance to navigate complex regulatory environments.
“As a small business owner, it can feel isolating trying to navigate all the challenges on your own,” said Jasmine Rodriguez, owner of Jasmine’s Cafe and a founding member of the West Kirby Business Alliance. “But by working together, we’re able to pool our resources, amplify our voices, and ultimately create more economic opportunities for ourselves and our communities.”
The Alliance has also forged strategic partnerships with local government agencies and philanthropic organizations to secure funding for initiatives like the West Kirby Small Business Incubator – a state-of-the-art facility that provides subsidized office and production space, mentorship, and access to capital for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Investing in the Next Generation Through Children’s Savings Accounts
Looking beyond the immediate economic landscape, West Kirby is also making long-term investments in the future prosperity of its youth through the innovative Brilliant Futures children’s savings account program. Launched in partnership with the West Kirby Community Foundation, Brilliant Futures provides every kindergarten student in the city’s public school system with a savings account that grows by up to $1,000 per year, culminating in a sizable nest egg by the time they graduate high school.
“We know that access to assets – whether it’s a college education, a down payment on a home, or startup capital for a small business – is one of the key drivers of intergenerational wealth and economic mobility,” explained Tanya Wellons, President and CEO of the West Kirby Community Foundation. “By investing in our children from an early age, we’re planting the seeds for a more equitable and prosperous future for our entire community.”
Research has shown that children’s savings accounts like Brilliant Futures can have a transformative impact, increasing the likelihood of college enrollment by up to 3 times and helping to close the racial wealth gap by as much as 28%. In West Kirby, the program’s initial cohort is already generating excitement and enthusiasm among parents and students alike.
“This is simply magical – thank you for giving us this boost to fuel us through the next 12 years of our children’s educational journey,” shared Joann Brent, a parent of a Brilliant Futures participant. “It’s not just about the money; it’s about nurturing our youngest learners and setting them up with the confidence and agency to build their own life.”
Fostering a Culture of Giving and Community Stewardship
Underpinning all of West Kirby’s community wealth building efforts is a growing culture of philanthropy, civic engagement, and community stewardship. From the anchor institutions directing their resources toward local impact to the small business owners pooling their collective power, residents at all levels are stepping up to invest in the long-term prosperity of their neighborhoods.
One notable example is the West Kirby Giving Circle – a group of local philanthropists who have committed to pooling their charitable dollars to support grassroots, community-led initiatives. Through a rigorous vetting process, the Giving Circle identifies high-impact projects that are driving positive change on issues ranging from affordable housing to workforce development to environmental sustainability.
“Philanthropy is not just about writing a check; it’s about building relationships, understanding community needs, and aligning our resources to create lasting, systemic change,” said Raul Gutierrez, a founding member of the West Kirby Giving Circle. “By cultivating a culture of giving and collective impact, we’re empowering our neighbors to be the architects of their own future.”
This spirit of community engagement extends beyond the realm of philanthropy, as West Kirby residents increasingly take an active role in shaping the policies and decisions that impact their lives. Through initiatives like Participatory Budgeting and the Community Land Trust, residents are directly influencing the allocation of public resources and the development of their neighborhoods – ensuring that growth and progress benefit the entire community, not just a select few.
As West Kirby continues to evolve, its community wealth building efforts stand as a model for how cities can harness the power of anchor institutions, small businesses, and civic engagement to create a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future. By investing in people, strengthening local ties, and committing to long-term, equitable development, West Kirby is charting a path forward that can inspire communities across the region and beyond.
Tip: Keep an eye on local council announcements for updates
