National League of Cities Award 12 U.S. Cities Economic Mobility Funding
According to the National League of Cities, through a competitive application process, NLC selected the following municipalities to participate in the 2024 Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program: 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.
“Upward economic mobility for residents is a shared goal of communities big and small as well as the National League of Cities,” says NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony. “The Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant Program reflects NLC’s dedication to supporting local governments, driving meaningful change and improving the quality of life for all residents in their communities. I cannot thank the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation enough for their leadership in making this innovative program possible to build economic security and wealth in the participating communities.”
Each of the 12 selected municipalities will receive grants of up to $20,000 to launch or expand programs in one of three critical areas:
- Creating Quality Employment Opportunities: These programs provide residents access to well-paying jobs that offer benefits and career advancement opportunities. By partnering with local businesses and educational institutions, cities will develop training programs, job placement services, and other initiatives to help residents secure stable employment.
- Providing Equitable Support for Small Businesses: Supporting the growth of small and minority-owned businesses is essential for fostering local economic growth and increasing economic stability. The selected cities will use grant funds to offer resources such as business development training, financial assistance, and mentorship programs to help small businesses thrive.
- Connecting Residents with Services and Public Benefits: Access to services and public benefits is vital to ensure that all residents can meet their basic needs and work toward financial stability. Cities will implement programs to improve residents’ awareness of and access to essential services, including health care, housing assistance, and food security programs.
In addition to receiving grant funding, participating municipalities will have the opportunity to engage with leaders at peer cities through NLC’s Economic Mobility Peer Network and receive coaching from NLC staff to access valuable resources and learn about innovative strategies. Participants will also receive training on how to use key economic mobility resources, including Opportunity Insights’ Opportunity Atlas, Results for America’s Economic Mobility Catalog, and the Urban Institute’s Upward Mobility Framework. Cities will showcase their work to peer cities during an Economic Mobility Convening in early 2025.
These efforts are critical in addressing current and historic systemic inequities and promoting equitable opportunities for all residents. Economic mobility strategies empower residents to improve their financial situations and establish long-term economic stability. Advancing the upward economic mobility of residents directly impacts the financial health and long-term viability of municipalities. The Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program and Economic Mobility Peer Network are made possible with the continued support of the Gates Foundation.
