(Washington D.C.) – The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) has launched the 2024 Economic Mobility Leadership Institute (EMLI), a premiere 12-month program for a select group of outstanding AAMA member-mayors to provide them with the tools to convene life-changing financial literacy forums and develop strategies that increase long-term economic mobility for their respective communities.

Support for the program comes from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and seeks to improve financial literacy, sharing tools for poverty reduction, and facilitate wealth creation among underserved communities.

“One of AAMA’s key policy priorities is to improve financial literacy and promote generational wealth and economic development across our cities. With this new program, we are thrilled to be able to do just that. Our mayors are already working to put the tools and resources into the hands of those who need it, and we are thrilled to lead this initiative,” said AAMA President, Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed. “We greatly appreciate the Foundation for its support on this initiative and look forward to working with them toward a better future.”

The following cities have received funding via EMLI:

• Wrightsville, AR – Mayor Derrick Rainey
• North Lauderdale, FL – Mayor Samson Borgelin
• East Point, GA – Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham
• Savannah, GA – Mayor Van R. Johnson
• Campti, LA – Mayor Katrina Evans
• Baltimore, MD – Mayor Brandon Scott
• Greenville, MS – Mayor Errick D. Simmons
• Jackson, MS – Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba
• Durham, NC – Mayor Leonardo Williams
• Philadelphia, PA – Mayor Cherelle Parker
• Memphis, TN – Mayor Paul Young
• Newport News, VA – Mayor Phillip Jones

AAMA is currently working with selected member cities to develop tools and a curriculum to convene financial literacy forums for their respective communities, which equips participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for financial literacy, including but not limited to topics such as homeownership, insurance, land use/appraisals, reduction of debt, student loans, and trusts and wills. Local leaders can use these metrics to guide their efforts to increase economic empowerment and upward mobility for their constituencies.

In addition to supporting the EMLI project, additional funds from the grant have gone to the production of “Our Mayors Breaking It Down” podcast, featuring AAMA member mayors who discuss a variety of vital issues plaguing their cities and highlighting unique approaches to solutions. The podcast is intended for policymakers and constituents alike.