We know Jeremiah told the exiles to "seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Paul too, urged Timothy "that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions..."  and that "this is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior..." 

We can have an informed voice at the table of our municipal councils if we are so inclined. If that is you, I am happy to tell you today about a recently developed Toolkit put together by Cities of Migration.

"Many small to medium cities across Canada face population declines and an uncertain future. Cities of Migration launches the Immigrant Futures Toolkit to help Canada's smaller cities, towns and regions address population declines through immigrant attraction and retention strategies."

Ryerson University has recently welcomed the Cities of Migration initiative within their Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration program. 

The Toolkit includes a planning framework and resources that will help small cities identify existing assets and ways to develop partnerships that can help build a welcoming economy. It helps city leaders get started with important background evidence, a planning framework and examples of good practices. It guides city leaders in identifying what data they need to understand their region's demographics and sources of growth. Click here to learn more.

If you or someone you know is interested in helping your region develop welcoming initiatives to prepare and build for the future well-being of your town, this Toolkit will be useful as you work with others to find the best way forward.