The Equitable Economic Mobility Initiative (EEMI) and Economic Mobility Peer Network (EMPN) help cities prioritize the economic mobility of families while communities rebuild after the devastating, inequitable economic impacts of the pandemic.
COVID-19 has unraveled communities and destroyed financial stability for many families. Many health and economic indicators point to the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on people of color, exacerbating longstanding systemic racial inequities.
New opportunities and federal recovery packages, such as the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), provide many cities with a chance to develop and amplify supports residents need to meet basic needs and thrive. However, there is still uncertainty about how long the economic impacts of the pandemic will reverberate for families after record-high unemployment rates and businesses closures.
About EEMI
This initiative offers eight cities hands-on assistance, grant funding, peer learning opportunities and strategic guidance over 15-months.
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
These cities are working to improve residents’ economic mobility by leveraging ARPA funding, aligning community partners and sustainably changing the trajectory for many vulnerable families. They’re doing this by implementing strategies like:
- 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
- implementing multi-generational approaches to entrepreneurship
- engaging youth in employment opportunities and business ownership
Complementary Peer Network
The National League of Cities’ Economic Mobility Peer Network (EMPN) is open to city leaders, staff, and partners. EMPN offers opportunities to connect with other cities and hear from leading experts on topics designed to help cities boost residents’ economic mobility using strategies grounded in equity. Cities in the network are invited to come together every month for a virtual engagement on critical topics of interest. Network cities also receive important updates and information from NLC on topics and opportunities connected to economic mobility strategies.
For more information about EEMI please contact the Economic Opportunity and Financial Empowerment (EOFE) team at EOFE@nlc.org.
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