Cities’ reliance on fines and fees is pervasive and costly for governments and the residents they serve. Whether triggered by courts, unpaid bills for city services, or other administrative actions, municipal fines and fees can impose a crushing burden on low-income residents. For nearly two years, the National League of Cities has been leading a six-city technical assistance initiative, Cities Addressing Fines and Fees Equitably (CAFFE), designed to help cities assess their use of local fines and fees, with a focus on implementing equitable collections strategies and improving residents’ financial health.
Join us for an engaging virtual presentation and discussion on key lessons learned from the CAFFE initiative and hear from local leaders about why reforming these crucial systems, through an equitable lens, can build financial security for all residents. Local leaders and partner organizations can utilize insights gained to implement innovative financial empowerment approaches in their own communities, as cities aid residents’ through their COVID-19 recovery efforts.
Speakers
- The Honorable Melvin Carter, Mayor, City of Saint Paul MN
- The Honorable Shawn Day, Presiding Judge, Aurora Municipal Court, City of Aurora CO
- Amber Paxton, Director, Office of Financial Empowerment, Department of Neighborhoods & Citizen Engagement, City of Lansing MI
- Ryan Smith, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Office of Performance and Innovation, City of Durham NC