Dear Mayor Woodfin,

On behalf of the Make For All initiative, National League of Cities (NLC) and Nation of Makers, and the Maker City Project we would like to invite you to participate in a series of discussions and events focused on the importance of maker-centered learning and the Maker Movement in creating vibrant, resilient and inclusive communities. These activities will take place in Chattanooga (June 14th-15th) and coincide with NOMCON, the annual national Maker leadership conference hosted by the nonprofit Nation of Makers.

Recognizing the innovative work that your city has been doing in this space, we would love for you to join us to talk about the important role that city leaders and policymakers can play in helping to build a robust local Maker ecosystem in collaboration with Makers. You would be joined by leaders from several other cities.

NLC will provide travel and accommodation support for a select number of city representatives. If you are interested please let us know.

Below are more details on the activities- we’d welcome any thoughts or questions that you might have. Thank you in advance for your consideration in joining us in Chattanooga and for all the great work that you’ve been doing to support Makers in your local community.


Maker Mayors Collaboratory

Date/Time: Fri. June 14th (9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
Location: The Enterprise Center, 1100 Market St #500, Chattanooga, TN 37402

This convening will bring together city leaders and leaders of the Maker community to discuss the ways they are currently working together to support the Maker Movement across education, entrepreneurship and workforce development, share best practices and talk candidly about challenges. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with fellow city leaders about what the Maker Movement looks like in your community and highlight one related initiative that you think others would find compelling.


Make For All Commitments Announcement Event

Date/Time: Fri. June 14th (2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Location: Chattanooga Library, 4th Floor Makerspace, 1001 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

The Make For All initiative launched a national call for new commitments in support of maker-centered learning in December 2018. This event will bring together organizations that will be announcing new partnerships, initiatives and collaborations from across the U.S. Hear from commitment makers from across the country, learn about innovative approaches to supporting maker-centered learning for K-12, post-secondary / higher education and workforce development.


Mayors Dinner hosted by Mayor Andy Berke

Date/Time: Fri. June 14th (time TBD)
Location: TBD

This special dinner for visiting mayors will be hosted by Chattanooga’s Mayor Andy Berke.


NOMCON Opening Night Reception

Date/Time: 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Location: Miller Park, in downtown Chattanooga.

This is a great opportunity to casually meet and chat with NOMCON participants and enjoy a free community concert provided by Chattanooga Presents and Maker activities provided by the Chattanooga Public Library and the Creative Discovery Museum.


Maker Mayors Panel at the opening plenary session of NOMCON

Date/Time: Sat. June 15th (9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Location: Chattanooga Convention Center, Ballrooms EFG

The theme for NOMCON this year is the Power of the Network. As a featured speaker on the Maker Mayors Panel, you’ll have an opportunity to share how the Maker Movement has had an impact on your community and share your thoughts on how city leaders and the Maker community can collaboratively work together. This is the opening plenary of the conference. Last year, there were 400+ people in attendance.

We hope to see you in June!

Best,

Stephanie Santoso, Director of Maker Initiatives, Citizen Schools and Make For All Lead

Scott Andes, Program Director, City Innovation Ecosystems, National League of Cities

Alex Jones, Manager, City Innovation Ecosystems, National League of Cities

Dorothy Jones-Davis, Executive Director, Nation of Makers

Marcia Kadanoff, Cofounder & CEO, Maker City Project, Inc.