Helping Cities Strengthen Resident Economic Stability Community Resilience Centers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Community resilience centers (CRCs), supported by local governments, are one-stop hubs that connect people to municipal and community support services and programs when they need them most. Through its Building Economic Resilience in Communities program, National League of Cities is investing $100K in supporting four municipalities to strengthen and expand their local CRC efforts.
CRCs help residents better withstand economic challenges and improve long-term economic mobility by streamlining access to services available to them via local government as well as community organizations. Services local governments often offer via CRCs include workforce development, housing assistance and basic needs support, helping residents navigate economic challenges and improve long-term economic mobility.
The following four municipalities will receive grants up to $25,000 through the Building Economic Resilience in Communities program to strengthen or expand the impact of their local CRC efforts:
- Dallas, Texas
- El Paso, Texas
- Louisville, Ky.
- Tempe, Ariz.
“Cities, towns and villages with community resilience centers are bringing opportunity closer to the people who need it most, and by investing in these four cities, we are contributing to the expansion and sustainability of their work,” said NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony. “When someone needs support and they don’t know where to turn, community resilience centers allow local governments to respond to their needs with less red tape, and NLC is proud to support these four communities.”
“Economic resilience begins with helping residents connect to the services, supports and opportunities they need to thrive,” said City of Dallas Assistant City Manager, M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira, J.D. “Through the Office of Housing and Community Empowerment, Dallas is enhancing its coordinated, resident-centered model that strengthens neighborhoods, supports families and helps residents build long-term economic stability.”
“The City of El Paso remains committed to building a strong and resilient community where families, neighborhoods and businesses can thrive,” said El Paso Mayor Renard U. Johnson. “Programs like this help cities prepare for challenges while creating lasting economic opportunity for residents.”
“Louisville’s strength comes from the resilience of its people,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “By expanding the partnership between Neighborhood Place and the Office of Financial Empowerment, we are investing in families, strengthening neighborhoods and building a more economically secure future for our entire city.”
“Tempe is strongest when every resident has access to opportunity and the tools needed to build a secure future,” said Tempe Mayor Corey D. Woods. “Participation in the Building Economic Resilience in Communities program will help us expand the Tempe EnVision Center as a place of boundless economic opportunity, connecting residents to education, employment and entrepreneurship.”
In addition to this $100,000 investment across four U.S. cities, NLC will engage leaders from participating communities with technical assistance and peer learning opportunities for nine months to help them expand community engagement, strengthen partnerships and better measure outcomes. Building off this work, NLC staff will identify effective practices and document strategies that can help more communities start or strengthen CRC programming.
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National League of Cities 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, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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