We argue that inclusive regional growth depends less on flashy programs and more on the often-hidden civic infrastructure that connects, coordinates, and sustains cross-sector action. Drawing from eight diverse regions in Brookings Metro’s Regional Inclusive Growth Network, we identify five key civic capabilities—such as strategic convening, trust building, and adaptive governance—that regionally based business leadership organizations must cultivate.
We show how weak or fragmented institutional capacity undermines inclusion efforts, and we provide a practical framework for regions to assess and strengthen these capabilities. Ultimately, we hope the report draws recognition (and investment) to this invisible infrastructure so more regions can embed inclusive growth more deeply.