Washington D.C. — National League of Cities (NLC) has competitively selected 20 cities to participate in the Southern Cities Economic Initiative (SCEI). This three-year initiative will provide grant funding and assistance to selected southern U.S. cities to boost economic mobility for residents and drive long-term economic growth in their communities.
Every day, municipal leaders across the South navigate complex economic challenges. Barriers such as limited job growth, restricted access to capital and a lack of affordable housing make it difficult for cities to fully realize their economic potential. SCEI will provide cities with the data, tools, resources and funding to address these challenges head on.
The selected cities include: Atlanta, Ga.; Canton, Ga.; Center Point, Ala.; Charlottesville, Va.; Fayetteville, Ark.; Greenville, Miss.; Harrisonburg, Va.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Jackson, Miss.; Jonesboro, Ga.; Lauderhill, Fla.; Little Rock, Ark.; Monroe, La.; Morrisville, N.C.; Nashville, Tenn.; Natchitoches, La.; New Orleans, La.; Pensacola, Fla.; Sunflower County, Miss.; and Thomasville, NC.
“Local governments play a critical role in driving economic growth and expanding opportunities for all residents,” said National League of Cities CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony. “The South has significant potential to lead on economic resilience and serve as a model for the nation. We are thrilled to collaborate with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta on the Southern Cities Economic Initiative to provide the tools to build stronger, more resilient economies.”
In addition to grant funding, participating cities will engage in peer learning opportunities, receive tailored technical assistance, and participate in convenings and site visitsto support their local economic goals. SCEI cities will also have access to data and content experts from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta as well as connections to national funders and assistance to leverage their NLC grants toward longer-term funding.
SCEI cities will explore innovative approaches to support small businesses, strengthening the workforce, and boosting the financial well-being of residents. The SCEI project is in its second iteration, building from an earlier cohort of 15 cities working with NLC and partners between 2021 and 2024. The previous cohort implemented successful strategies focused on small business growth and workforce development.
The Southern Cities Economic Initiative is made possible through the support of philanthropic partners, including the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, Nathan Cummings Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta does not provide funding, nor does it participate in selection or decisions of grant funding of SCEI participants. For more information about SCEI, visit www.nlc.org/initiative/southern-cities-economic-inclusion-scei-expanding-capacity-building-resilience.
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