FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2025

Charlottesville Selected for Grant Program to Boost Economic Growth and Resilience

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The City Manager’s Office is proud to announce that the City of Charlottesville has been selected to participate in the Southern Cities Economic Initiative (SCEI), a program led by National League of Cities (NLC) in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Charlottesville received a grant of $15,000 from NLC through funding by SCEI’s philanthropic partners and will join 19 other cities from across the southern United States to develop strategies that boost economic mobility for residents and drive long-term economic growth.  

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, including an opportunity to apply for additional NLC grants of up to $60,000 and deeper assistance with strategy implementation.  

Other cities selected to participate in the initiative include Atlanta, Ga.; Canton, Ga.; Center Point, Ala.; 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, N.C.  

"Being selected for the SCEI is a tremendous honor for Charlottesville" said Ashley Marshall, Deputy City Manager for Social Equity. "This opportunity will ultimately help us build a more resilient and inclusive economy that will uplift every resident and position our community for sustainable growth."

“Local governments play a critical role in driving economic growth and expanding opportunities for all residents,” said NLC 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.” 

SCEI’s initial planning phase will run through October 31, 2025. Upon completion of the initial planning phase, participating cities will have an opportunity to advance to a more intensive implementation phase, which extends through December 2027.  

This initiative is made possible through the generous support of The Annie E. Casey Foundation, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The Nathan Cummings Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Learn more at https://www.nlc.org/initiative/southern-cities-economic-inclusion-scei-expanding-capacity-building-resilience/ (link).

Media Contact:
Afton Schneider
Director of Communications
City of Charlottesville
434-996-0331
schneidera@charlottesville.gov