NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Monroe, LA) – The City of Monroe released a strategic plan to advance wealth equity through financial empowerment at a Financial Empowerment Summit on January 24, 2026. The blueprint, which was developed as part of the national nonprofit Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund’s (CFE Fund’s) CityStart initiative and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, aims to increase access to financial resources, build residents’ financial skills and create pathways to long-term wealth.

The City of Monroe created this blueprint with input from community organizations, city agencies, local business leaders and financial institutions; the City also engaged residents through multiple community workshops and focus groups. Four key themes emerged as priorities for action: Government Operations, Quality of Life, Homeownership, and Entrepreneurship and Banking. Additionally, the initiative included analyzing local financial data, identifying wealth boosts and blocks and mapping opportunities for growth.

“Our goal is a Monroe where everyone has the chance to succeed,” said Mayor Friday Ellis. “By listening to our residents, we can develop programs that empower families, support financial growth, and strengthen the heart of our community.”

By implementing these strategies, the City aims to create lasting impacts on residents’ financial well-being, help families build generational wealth, reduce economic barriers and help families thrive for generations to come. The City of Monroe remains committed to ensuring the blueprint meets residents’ needs and reflects the collective vision for a more prosperous Monroe.

For more information on this initiative and to access the blueprint in its entirety, visit oneroe.city/citystart