The Davenport Institute Announces Its Work with the Valley CERF Project

The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership in the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University is happy to collaborate with Kit Cole Consulting (KCC) as a subcontractor. KCC, in partnership with the Davenport Institute, was awarded a contract by the Central Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) as the director of facilitators for the Valley Community Economic Resilience Fund (Valley CERF).  
 
The director of facilitators role includes providing training, support, and facilitation resources to Valley CERF’s local and regional partners to produce roadmaps for economic recovery and transition that prioritize the creation of accessible, high-quality jobs in sustainable industries. The 18-month contract began in April 2023. Davenport Institute executive director Maureen Tobin commented, “We are delighted to have this opportunity to partner with Kit Cole Consulting to serve the Central Valley on this critical project that has the opportunity to make a true difference in the economic sustainability in this important region of our state and country.”
 
Funded by the State of California, Valley CERF is a 4-county coalition (Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings), with more than 130 partner organizations, working together to create a Regional Economic Recovery and Transition Plan. The plan will include strategies for the growth of targeted industries, diversifying the economy, responding to economic shocks, increasing economic equity, and increasing health and environmental equity.  Once the Regional Economic Recovery and Transition Plan is finalized, local communities will be eligible for state funds to help implement priority projects included in the plan.
 
KCC, a longtime partner of the Davenport Institute, is a boutique firm that offers clients expertise in managing complex and challenging projects and teams. They have proven experience in the utility and waste industries, as well as the public sector, including state and local governments.

“I very much respect and believe in the work of the Davenport Institute,” stated Kit Cole, KCC founder and CEO. “I have had the pleasure to work with the Davenport Institute both formally and informally over the past 10 years. The Davenport team feels like an extension of my own team and it is great to be partnered together to ensure that the facilitation of the Valley CERF project is outstanding and effective in every way.”
 
The Valley CERF project is a significant undertaking for the Davenport Institute. It represents an expansion of its role as a thought leader/trusted advisor—one of three key elements (trainer, convener, thought leader/trusted advisor) that defines the Davenport Institute’s work.