What does it take to create lasting economic opportunity? In Tucson, the answer increasingly involves working across the boundaries between government, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and the people they serve.
That is the focus of an Arizona Daily Star opinion article by Jane Shurtleff, an SVP Tucson Partner, featured in a new thought-leadership series from Social Venture Partners International (SVPI).
A Tucson perspective on generational poverty
In "Tucson expands paths to prosperity," published September 19, 2026, Jane examines how local leaders are approaching generational poverty through the Prosperity Initiative. This regional effort provides a framework for Pima County and the City of Tucson to address barriers to opportunity through policies related to housing, health, education, and workforce development.
Jane brings together perspectives from county and city government, the Community Coalition for Prosperity, and Tucson Electric Power. Their examples show how efforts in areas such as early education, housing stability, career pathways, and energy affordability can reinforce one another when community institutions collaborate.
The article offers a useful reminder: complex community challenges call for coordination, sustained attention, and perspectives from people working across different sectors.
Read SVPI's feature on Jane's op-ed or read the original Arizona Daily Star article.
SVP voices, shared across communities
In June 2026, SVPI launched its Op-Ed Project, a forum developed through its work with The OpEd Project to help SVP Partners and leaders share their perspectives with broader audiences. The articles explore different challenges but share a common thread: stronger communities benefit when local experience informs public conversation.
Explore these contributions from across the SVP network:
- Jane Shurtleff, SVP Tucson — Cross-sector collaboration and paths to prosperity in Pima County.
- Sean Easton, SVP Vancouver — Why community outcomes matter more than simply completing a housing plan.
- Brandi Cagle, SVP Charlotte — The difference between crossing the poverty line and achieving financial stability.
- Pradeep Kaushik, SVP India – Bengaluru — Why sustainable nonprofit technology requires investment beyond the initial build.
- Ed Victor, SVP Boulder County — The community-wide consequences of limited, unaffordable child care.
- Cindy O'Keeffe, SVP Boulder County — The connection between child care affordability and the local economy.
You can also explore the SVPI Op-Ed Project collection for additional perspectives as the series develops.
Why these conversations matter in Tucson
SVP Tucson brings together people who want to contribute more than financial support alone. By connecting time, talent, relationships, and resources, our community works to strengthen the nonprofit organizations that strengthen Tucson.
Jane's contribution demonstrates another way Partners can participate: bringing informed local perspectives into conversations about the future of our community. We are grateful for her willingness to share her voice and help connect Tucson's experience with a wider network of ideas.
Learn more about becoming an SVP Tucson Partner and the many ways to contribute to a stronger nonprofit community.
Editorial note: The linked op-eds represent the views of their respective authors and are shared for information and discussion; they do not necessarily express official policy positions of SVP Tucson. Original reporting and opinions remain credited to their publishers and authors.