The Equitable Economic Mobility Initiative (EEMI) and Economic Mobility Peer Network (EMPN) provide cities the tools and resources to place the economic mobility of families at the forefront of their local priorities.
Given their proximity and impact on the lives of their residents, cities can take the lead to enhance long-term economic mobility for their residents by developing and amplifying existing supports residents need to meet basic needs and thrive.
The National League of Cities’ Framework for Economic Opportunity and Financial Empowerment
The three-stage framework provides a guideline on the economic mobility journey of residents upon which they may fall into one or more of the three stages. Through dedicated programs, policies, and procedures, cities can create systems and pathways that generate opportunity for their residents – now and for generations to come.
Equitable Economic Mobility Initiative (EEMI)
The eight cities selected for the EEMI cohort include:
- Akron, OH
- Charleston, SC
- Denver, CO
- Fresno, CA
- Orlando, FL
- Roanoke, VA
- Sacramento, CA
- Tucson, AZ
NLC’s EEM Initiative began with eight cities, receiving technical assistance, grant funding, peer learning opportunities, and strategic guidance over 15 months.
These cities worked to improve residents’ economic mobility by leveraging American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, aligning community partners, and sustainably changing the trajectory for many vulnerable families. They implemented strategies such as supporting small BIPOC businesses, expanding resident engagement in decision-making, building workforce development and training opportunities in high-wage sectors, targeting residents most impacted by the pandemic, including mothers, implementing multi-generational approaches to entrepreneurship, and engaging youth in employment opportunities and business ownership.
Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant Program
In an effort to further expand economic mobility across the country and test the impact of short-term engagement, NLC launched a six-month rapid grant program in 2023. NLC’s Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program is a six-month focused engagement to help cities promote, develop, or sustain economic mobility in their communities. Currently in their third engagement, 12 cities are using $20,000 in direct grant funding to promote economic mobility in three key categories: 1) Creating quality employment opportunities for residents; 2) Equitable support to strengthen or start small businesses; or 3) Helping residents connect with services or public benefits such as government-sponsored residential services, SNAP, the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, or free tax preparation services. In addition to the grant funding, municipal staff engaged in coaching calls with NLC staff, peer-learning opportunities, and in-person site visits. Utilizing this multi-faceted approach, municipal decision makers are equipped with the tools and resources necessary to springboard these grants into long-term economic mobility.
The 2023 Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant cohort included Dallas, TX; Gaithersburg, MD; Honolulu, HI; Nashua, NH; New Haven, CT; Redmond, WA; Redwood City, CA; and South Bend, IN.
The 2024 Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant cohort included Aurora, IL; Burlington, VT; Chester, AR; Durango, CO; El Paso, TX; Frederick, MD; Grand Island, NE; Gustavus, AK; Lansing, MI; Linden, AL; South San Francisco, CA; and St. Petersburg, FL.
The 2025 Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant cohort includes Antioch, CA; Chelsea, MA; East Providence, RI; Evanston, IL; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Hamtramck, MI; Houston, TX; Kansas City, MO; Philadelphia, PA; Pinedale, WY; Savannah, GA; and Young Harris, GA. To learn more about the 2025 cohort, check out this article.
To learn more about the rapid grant program, click on the button below to go directly to the Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant Webpage.
Economic Mobility Peer Network (EMPN)
The National League of Cities’ Economic Mobility Peer Network (EMPN) is open to city leaders, staff, and partners. The EMPN offers city leaders opportunities to connect with other one another and hear from leading experts on topics designed to help cities boost residents’ economic mobility using strategies grounded in equity. Network members are invited to come together each month for a virtual engagement on critical topics of interest. Network members also receive important updates and information from NLC on topics and opportunities connected to economic mobility strategies.
Economic Mobility Resources
The following resources provide a sample of the spectrum of economic mobility programming and research led by the National League of Cities. Local leaders can use these resources to develop, refine, or amplify their own economic mobility efforts.
For more information about EEMI please contact the Economic Opportunity and Financial Empowerment (EOFE) team at EOFE@nlc.org.
3 Ways Cities are Using Financial Empowerment to Advance Economic Mobility of Their Residents
- Justin Chu
How St. Louis Put Equity on the Scoreboard
- CitiesSpeak Guest
Building a New Model: Cincinnati’s Financial Freedom Blueprint in Action
- CitiesSpeak Guest
How Executive Actions Impact Local Governments’ Ability to Improve the Economic Mobility of Their Residents
- Diana Goldsmith
Local Solutions to Our Biggest Problems Include Economic Mobility
- CitiesSpeak Guest
Jump Starting Economic Mobility: How Savannah Is Investing in its Youth Workforce
- Van R. Johnson II