NLC economic mobility grant program to support 8 American cities with more than $100K

Eight American cities are the recipients of more than $100,000 for economic mobility initiatives from the National League of Cities. The competitive application program, called the Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program, provides the funding to help communities launch or expand initiatives in one of three key areas: for employment opportunities, small business support, and to help residents connect to 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,” said Clarence Anthony, NLC CEO and executive director in a statement about the initiative, which was announced last month. “Through this program, NLC is thrilled to work with this group of eight incredible communities to advance economic mobility for all of their residents.”

The selected cities are Dallas, Tx., Gaithersburg, Md., Honolulu, Hawaii, Nashua, N.H., New Haven, Conn., Redmond, Wash., Redwood City, Calif. and South Bend, Ind.

Each city will receive grants of up to $15,000 and coaching from NLC. They can also access peer learning opportunities through NLC’s Economic Mobility Peer Network. The network is intended to “accelerate each municipality’s efforts to test innovative solutions that advance residents’ economic mobility,” according to a statement about the initiative.

The municipalities and their initiatives will be highlighted at an Economic Mobility Convening, before NLC’s annual City Summit conference, in Atlanta, Ga., this November.

The statement notes: “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 grant program and its corresponding Economic Mobility Peer Network are supported by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.