Economic Development From A Regional Perspective

As Californians struggle to meet challenges that cross political boundaries, regional entities have developed to supply the necessary coordination and focus. In this interview, MIR talks to Richard Hollingsworth, executive director of the Gateways Cities Partnership, a regional organization that is addressing vital issues for the 27 cities and unincorporated areas of southeastern LA County. In this interview, Mr. Hollingsworth amplifies on the need for regional approaches to problem solving and the Partnership’s program priorities:

"We literally do door-to-door marketing of education through our education Promotorés. The Promotorés are women from the community who are recognized as leaders and they act as a source of encouragement for other mothers in the community to get involved in their children’s education. We basically market education as a product. We teach the parents how to get involved, that they have rights, but that they also have responsibilities."