NLC connects eight cities with more than $100K in funding for economic mobility initiatives
Through a competitive application process, the National League of Cities has selected eight U.S. cities to participate in its Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program. This program disperses more than $100K among eight select cities to support local initiatives designed to improve the economic mobility of their residents.
Funds awarded to the cities will be used to launch or expand solutions in one of three key areas: creating quality employment opportunities for residents, providing equitable support to strengthen or start small businesses, or helping residents connect with services or public benefits.
“We know that the economic vitality of a city is directly linked to the economic stability of the people who live there,” NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony said. “Through this program, NLC is thrilled to work with this group of eight incredible communities to advance economic mobility for all of their residents.”
Municipalities selected to receive funding through the Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program include Dallas, Texas; Gaithersburg, Maryland; Honolulu, Hawaii; Nashua, New Hampshire; New Haven, Connecticut; Redmond, Washington; Redwood City, California; and South Bend, Indiana.
Each of the eight selected cities will receive grants of up to $15,000, along with coaching from NLC and peer learning opportunities via NLC’s Economic Mobility Peer Network, to accelerate each municipality’s efforts to test innovative solutions that advance residents’ economic mobility. NLC will showcase the new or expanded initiatives grantee municipalities will implement at an Economic Mobility Convening before NLC’s City Summit conference in Atlanta, Georgia, this November.
Efforts the selected municipalities will work on during the program include increasing outreach and engagement activities to ensure more residents connect with Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and financial services, as well as expanding small business support offerings so small businesses have access to online markets, training, and commercial space that help them grow. In addition, several cities will work with returning citizens and youth to expand the economic mobility of residents equitably. The Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program and Economic Mobility Peer Network are made possible with the continued support of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.