Urban Manufacturing Alliance

The Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA) is a national coalition of manufacturing practitioners working together to grow more equitable and prosperous economies by building robust, sustainable, and inclusive urban manufacturing sectors. UMA was founded, in large part, on the principle that making and manufacturing is a wealth-building strategy for communitiesespecially lower-income communities and communities of colorthrough employment, ownership, and entrepreneurship. The manufacturing sector historically, and continues to be today, a key source of employment for the middle class and workers without a college degree, who make up approximately 65% of the manufacturing workforce. The manufacturing industry continues to play a vital role in generating a high local economic multiplier and indirect jobs, beating out other industries often championed for fueling a thriving urban economy such as wholesale and retail trade, finance and insurance, and food services. UMA and our members seek...