Giving Compass' Take:

• Northern California Grantmakers highlights the city of Stockton, which is on the rebound after the city filed for bankruptcy seven years ago.

• Stockton's revitalization is largely due to the close coordination of local stakeholders. What can other similarly-sized communities around the country learn from this example?

• Here's how nonprofit leaders can be more responsive to the needs of a community.

The City of Stockton is an example of the resilience and hope that make California a great state.  It is a city known for its diversity and also for its challenges, such as when it filed for bankruptcy in 2011. But like the Phoenix of Greek mythology, Stockton is rebuilding itself as a city committed to setting the pace for how great cities will be governed in the future and what they will do to attract and care for their residents.

The city’s extraordinary turnaround is being recognized. As an example, Stockton was named an All-America City in 2015 and 2017 — an award given by the National Civic League annually to 10 communities in the United States. The 13th largest city in California and the 63rd largest city in the nation, the opportunity in Stockton is found in its residents, youth, passionate community-based organizations and its forward-thinking elected officials. It is the convergence of political leadership working in close concert with community leadership that is changing the conditions and narrative of this Central Valley city on the move.

Read the full article about Stockton CA, from a funder perspective by Chet P. Hewitt at Northern California Grantmakers.