NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CITY OF MONROE

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 5, 2025

(Monroe, LA) – Mayor Friday Ellis and the City of Monroe is proud to announce that the City of Monroe has been selected to participate in the Southern Cities Economic Initiative (SCEI), a program led by National League of Cities in partnership with Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Monroe has 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.; Charlottesville, Va.; Fayetteville, Ark.; Greenville, Miss.; Harrisonburg, Va.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Jackson, Miss.; Jonesboro, Ga.; Lauderhill, Fla.; Little Rock, Ark.; Morrisville, N.C.; Nashville, Tenn.; Natchitoches, La.; New Orleans, La.; Pensacola, Fla.; Sunflower County, Miss.; and Thomasville, N.C.

“We are honored to be selected for the Southern Cities Economic Initiative. This grant and the support from the National League of Cities will empower Monroe to create meaningful opportunities for our residents. Together, we will build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits everyone in our community.” – Mayor Friday Ellis

“Local governments play a critical role in driving economic growth and expanding opportunities for all residents. 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.” – NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony

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 nlc.org/initiative/southern-cities-economic-inclusion-scei-expanding-capacity-building-resilience.

Thanks,
Emily Stogner
media relations director
Executive Department
cell: 318-372-7640
email: emily.stogner@ci.monroe.la.us
www.monroela.us