Whether driving through Virginia and North Carolina along the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains or experiencing the vibrant streets of New Orleans and the coastal beauty of Florida’s Gold Coast, the South is a dynamic and evolving part of the country with a wealth of economic potential.
Increasing economic opportunities in the South is essential for strengthening communities, fostering business growth and supporting long-term prosperity. Many Southern cities face challenges such as workforce shortages, infrastructure needs and economic shifts that require strategic investment and planning. By equipping cities with data, tools, resources and strategies to boost local economies, city leaders can create jobs, support entrepreneurs and ensure sustainable growth. Investing in the South strengthens regional and national economic stability, making communities more competitive and resilient in a changing economy.
Building Stronger Cities: Introducing the 2025 SCEI Cohort
In May 2025, NLC selected a new cohort of 20 cities for its Southern Cities Economic Initiative (SCEI). This is a collaboration between NLC and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta that brings together a geographically diverse group of local leaders, economic experts and community stakeholders to explore strategies for strengthening small businesses, bolstering the local workforce, fostering local investment and creating pathways to long-term economic success.
At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to city-led solutions, empowering municipal leaders to leverage data, share best practices and implement innovative programs that support economic sustainability. The goal is to ensure that every city, regardless of size or resources, has the support it needs to create a thriving and resilient local economy.
Following are the 20 cities from across nine Southern states comprising the newest SCEI cohort: Atlanta, GA; Canton, GA; Center Point, AL; Charlottesville, VA; Fayetteville, AR; Greenville, MS; Harrisonburg, VA; Jackson, MS; Jacksonville, FL; Jonesboro, GA; Lauderhill, FL; Little Rock, AR; Monroe, LA; Morrisville, NC; Nashville, TN; Natchitoches, LA; New Orleans, LA; Pensacola, FL; Sunflower County, MS; and Thomasville, NC.
Each city has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding economic opportunity, strengthening small businesses and fostering local collaboration. Through SCEI, NLC is providing each city with a $15,000 grant that will be used during the span of six months to plan strategies that result in increased economic opportunities for communities. At the end of this six-month planning phase, NLC will select 15 of the 20 cities to move into a two-year “implementation” phase that will offer the cities larger grants, deeper technical assistance and opportunities to convene for peer learning.
This initiative is more than just a learning opportunity — it is an investment in the future of Southern cities. SCEI builds on learnings from a prior phase, from 2021 through 2024, in which 15 cities identified strategic opportunities to promote business growth and increase inclusivity in economic mobility practices in their city. For example, the City of Savannah, GA, engaged minority-owned businesses through surveys and listening sessions to inform the launch of a Black-owned cooperative; the City of Danville, VA, established a new procurement policy focused on increasing supplier diversity; and the City of Baton Rouge, LA, advocated for and achieved passage of state legislation expanding the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program and received $1 million from the state to help implement the Bill.
What’s Next?
Following a four-part “Boot Camp” series in May and June that provided foundational information on economic growth strategies, NLC and partners are providing technical assistance to the 20 new SCEI cities to plan and develop strategies in for business inclusion, housing and workforce initiatives. For example:
- On Track to a Brighter Future Project is a collaborative effort between the City of Center Point, AL, local area businesses and their local high school to boost youth employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth ages 16 to 21.
- The City of Atlanta, GA, is exploring ways to expand workforce inroads for youth across the Atlanta region through summer youth employment and apprenticeship opportunities while also examining the impact that joblessness and employment marginalization is having on youth, unhoused and re-entering citizens.
- The City of New Orleans, LA, is focusing on place-based economic empowerment strategies, such as job training, financial education and assistance for small businesses in the historic neighborhoods of North Claiborne and Treme.
NLC looks forward to highlighting the work of these cities, sharing success stories, and showcasing the innovation and resilience that define the South. Stay tuned for updates and follow along as we continue to support economic growth, strengthen communities, and build a more resilient future.
Economic Mobility & Opportunity in the South
NLC has provided southern U.S. cities with grant funding to boost economic opportunity. The “Programs, Successes and Lessons from the Southern Cities Economic Initiative” brief highlights successes and experiences from 15 cities that could inspire action in your own community.
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