ICMA's pilot Economic Mobility and Opportunity Cohort brought together teams from ten diverse local governments in 2023. The local governments were selected through a process that gauged readiness to implement EMO-centered strategies through policies, practices, processes, and programs. Click the links below to read more about the teams and their local activities supported through this program.
Beloit, Wisconsin
Crafted an affordable childcare action plan aimed at boosting workforce participation and enhancing economic stability.
Chesterfield County, Virginia
Launched the Learn, Explore, and Advance with Possibilities (LEAP) series of “micro conferences" providing access to wraparound services targeted for young adults, their English as a Second Language community, and users and providers of childcare services.
Dubuque, Iowa
To support implementation of Dubuque’s Equitable Poverty Reduction and Prevention Plan, facilitated intercultural enrichment activities to engage targeted populations in workforce development opportunities; provided small, flexible startup grants to historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
El Paso County, Texas
Funded a service-gap analysis to address shift-dependent childcare services and reduce barriers to workforce entry.
Grand Island, Nebraska
Quantified transportation challenges faced by students and early career workers in accessing jobs, education, and training opportunities, and identified a range of potential short-term and longer-term solutions for further evaluation.
Gresham, Oregon
Drafted a poverty reduction and prevention plan that incorporated the resources of local nonprofit organizations and other community partners.
Meadville, Pennsylvania
Incorporating a robust outreach process, developed a housing action plan articulating roles for the city, its redevelopment authority, and other regional partners in enhancing the supply of and access to affordable housing.
Morgan Hill, California
Through a process involving a community needs assessment, convening of a resource asset network, and a gap and opportunity analysis, developed Elevate Morgan Hill. The strategy aims to connect Spanish-speaking and lower-income community members to jobs and housing resources and to increase their sense of belonging to the community.
San Juan County, Utah
Developed an outreach and educational program designed to improve economic mobility among Native American populations and reduce barriers to public sector employment.
Tarboro, North Carolina
Commissioned an evidence-backed, third-party housing study documenting needs and opportunities for safe, sustainable, affordable housing for the community, laying the foundation for future policy, procedures, and marketing and incentives.
