Published on April 29, 2025 at 3:23 pm
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Jacksonville has been selected as one of 20 communities to participate in the Southern Cities Economic Initiative.
The three-year initiative by the National League of Cities will provide grant funding and assistance to boost economic mobility for residents. The program says it also will help the cities’ long-term economic growth.
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Local governments play a critical role in driving economic growth and expanding opportunities for all residents, says league CEO Clarence Anthony.
“The South has significant potential to lead on economic resilience and serve as a model for the nation,” Anthony said in a news release. “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.”
City officials said Jacksonville has received an initial $15,000 grant to plan its Family-Friendly Workplace Recognition Program.
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This initiative aims to reduce employment barriers for working families by expanding access to affordable child care, transportation and flexible work options. It also would help certify businesses so they can adopt family-forward policies, and provide technical assistance, recognition and workforce development support to participating employers.
After the planning phase, Jacksonville will be eligible to apply for a second phase of funding — up to $60,000 — to implement and scale the strategy beginning in 2026, city officials say.
In addition to grant funding, participating cities will engage in peer learning opportunities, get tailored technical assistance and participate in site visits to support their local economic goals.
Cities in the initiative also will be able to access Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta data and content experts, and connect with national funders and assistance to leverage their grants toward longer-term funding.
The other cities selected are Atlanta; Jonesboro and Canton, Georgia; Center Point, Alabama; Charlottesville and Harrisonburg, Virginia; Fayetteville and Little Rock, Arkansas; Greenville, Sunflower County and Jackson, Mississippi; Lauderhill and Pensacola, Florida; Monroe, Natchitoches and New Orleans, Louisiana; Morrisville and Thomasville, North Carolina; and Nashville, Tennessee.
The project is in its second iteration, building from an earlier group of 15 cities working with the National League of Cities and partners between 2021 and 2024.
For more information about the Southern Cities Economic Initiative, go to this National League of Cities website.
This story was updated May 1, 2025, with comments from the city of Jacksonville.
