Jacksonville has been selected for a program in which 20 Southern cities will work on economic mobility and growth strategies.
As a participant in the Southern Cities Economic Initiative, the city received a $15,000 grant from the National League of Cities, which leads the program in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
According to a May 9 news release from the city, SCEI programming includes “tailored technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, access to data and experts from the Federal Reserve Bank, as well as connections to national funders and assistance to leverage longer-term funding.”
As a program participant, the city will have an opportunity to apply for additional NLC grants of up to $60,000 and deeper assistance with strategic implementation.
The release says the city’s grant will support the launch of Family-Friendly Workplace Recognition Program, “which will incentivize local employers to adopt policies that support working families — such as access to childcare, transportation benefits, and flexible scheduling. Businesses will be recognized through a certification system and offered technical assistance and resources to help them implement inclusive practices.”
The Kids Hope Alliance will administer the city’s grant.
“Through this program, we will be able to expand our reach to underserved groups, implement targeted support strategies, and foster meaningful collaboration – tracking our progress along the way,” Mayor Donna Deegan said in the release. “We look forward to being able to strengthen our services and build lasting impact across the city thanks to these resources.”
Other cities selected to participate in the initiative include Atlanta; Canton, Georgia; Center Point, Alabama; Charlottesville, Virginia; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Greenville, Mississippi; Harrisonburg, Virginia; Jackson, Mississippi; Jonesboro, Georgia; Lauderhill, Florida; Little Rock, Arkansas; Monroe, Louisiana; Morrisville, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Natchitoches, Louisiana; New Orleans; Pensacola; Sunflower County, Mississippi; and Thomasville, North Carolina.
“Through this program, we will be able to expand our reach to underserved groups, implement targeted support strategies, and foster meaningful collaboration – tracking our progress along the way,” Deegan said in the release.