Inclusiv Conference 2023 meets in Memphis, TN which ranks 5th in poverty among cities with populations of 500,000 (after Philadelphia, Baltimore, Milwaukee, and Detroit.) Since the University of Memphis School of Social Work began tracking poverty in Memphis in 2012, the rate has never fallen below 20%. In rural areas poverty may be less visible, but no less entrenched or devastating, than in urban areas. In this session, Inclusiv is joined by representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss how racial and regional inequality affects economic opportunity. We’ll explore the programs and policies most successful in increasing the economic mobility of people living in Southern communities with persistent poverty and limited opportunities.