Beginning in 2009 with the support of their City Commission, City Manager and Human Relations Council, the City of Dayton implemented a community conversation asking “What have you noticed about how the City has benefited from its new residents?” and “What is possible, if we become a city that intentionally welcomes immigrants?” In their report, they note that “the answer produced such an enthusiastic response that forty people committed to take ninety days to draft a plan, that, if implemented, could result in a city that supports newcomers who make Dayton their home.” The result is their “Welcome Dayton: Immigrant Friendly City” plan that is now being implemented by the City, focusing on specific goals in business and economic development, local government and the justice system, social and health services and the community cultural, arts and education sectors. Their plan is available on the web at: www.daytonohio.gov/welcomedaytonreport.
The Latino Coalition of Clark and Champaign Counties meets quarterly as a networking organization to address issues of concern for the Latino immigrants in our community, and thus welcomes you to listen and consider whether there might be ways for our community to join Dayton in welcoming our immigrants and thus continue to improve and build our community into future prosperity.
The meeting is free and open to the public and participants are welcome to bring their own lunch. For more information, contact Nancy Flinchbaugh at (937) 324-7696 or David Smiddy at (937) 323-8617.
