We could reduce unemployment and create safer communities within a short time if elected leaders really listened to those who have great ideas at the ground level to promote economic development for low-income communities nationwide.
All too often, politicians rely on the same people in positions of authority who are supposed to be experts, even though we rarely see real results. A small group of independent consultants have developed a proposal for projects to hire diverse people within their own communities, but we need the funding to make it happen. It's time officials start considering proposals from various sources including social activists, professionals, community organizers and scholars.