NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans was recently selected by the National League of Cities (NLC) to take part in the Southern Cities Economic Inclusion (SCEI) initiative, a program designed to boost economic growth for residents and businesses of color through grant funding and peer learning between city leaders. New Orleans was one of 16 cities selected to participate in the initiative, and one of three in Louisiana.
“New Orleans is proud to join 15 other cities from around the south as part of the Southern Cities for Economic Inclusion cohort,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Improving the lives of communities of color through economic development is a top priority for my administration, and I am excited for my team to share best practices with other city leaders, and to tap new sources of funding to uplift those most in need.”
The SCEI initiative’s goal is to facilitate peer-to-peer learning among elected leaders and their staffs from around the south. Through this work, cities can plan policy changes and strategies that will provide greater economic opportunities for communities of color. This will be done by focusing on small business development, strategies to increase employment and wages, financial inclusion and economic empowerment strategies targeted to youth and parents.
Project cities will receive technical assistance and grants from NLC, as well as support from national philanthropic partners to raise additional local matching funds. In addition, participants will gain insights into utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support economic inclusion with an eye towards sustainability.
“The City of New Orleans, under the leadership of Mayor LaToya Cantrell, believes inclusion and economic opportunity generates a stronger economy,” said Jeffrey Schwartz, Director of Economic Development. “The offices of Economic Development, Performance and Accountability, Workforce Development and Human Rights and Equity are eager to help lead this work through NLC’s Southern Cities Economic Inclusion Initiative and will continue prioritizing the use of more efficient data collection to ensure equitable outcomes are demonstrated through the Mayor’s Strategic Framework and the City’s budgeting process.”
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