In 2023, the Office of Economic Development (OED) received $5M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to increase financial stability, promote economic mobility, and support asset-building that leads to a decrease in poverty, stress, and violent crime (EMIM Program). In total, the funding aims to support 2,500 low- to moderate-income residents through financial literacy, workforce training, entrepreneur support, and universal basic income programming.
Project Timeline
In October 2023, the Office of Economic Development released a Notice of Funding Availability to solicit proposals to carry out the EMIM Program. OED received over 50 applications from local and national organizations. In December 2023, OED awarded 10 organizations funds to implement the EMIM Program. OED and the City are currently in the process of entering into subrecipient agreements with the awarded organizations in compliance with local and federal rules. Once the agreements are executed the projects will begin. The projects vary in length from one year to 30months.
Guaranteed Income Projects
March of Dimes will receive $1,000,000 to provide 100 eligible pregnant mothers a guaranteed income for twelve months during pregnancy and post-partum to improve health and social outcomes for families.
Rooted School will receive $1,000,000 for a guaranteed income longitudinal study of 800 public high school students who will receive $50 per week for 40 weeks with an aim to improve academic performance, college enrollment, employment prospects, and financial literacy.
Financial Literacy Projects
El Centro will receive $450,000 to provide access to wealth-building programs to 400 Latino residents of New Orleans annually, including financial wellness, small business development, tax preparation, and first-time home buyer training in a language-accessible and culturally competent manner.
United Way of SELA will receive $250,000 to set up a New Orleans East Roving Prosperity Center to provide low- to moderate-income residents of New Orleans East access to UWSELA’s services including financial education and coaching, credit building and counseling, benefits screening, income tax assistance, and a matching savings account program.
Reentry Projects
The First 72+ will receive $500,000 to provide pathways to economic stability for formerly incarcerated New Orleanians through a small business incubator program and a cooking school in addition to wraparound services like case management and transitional housing.
Disability Rights of Louisiana will receive $300,000 for their Financial Access Inclusion & Resources (FAIR) program, the Gulf Coast’s sole reentry and financial coaching initiative specifically tailored to formerly incarcerated people with disabilities.
Youth Workforce Projects
Educators for Quality Alternatives will receive $325,000 to launch The Next Steps Program, which provides one year of intensive support to graduates of The Net Charter High Schools, including financial stipends, financial literacy, and individualized employment and educational coaching.
New Orleans Career Center will receive $500,000 to continue and expand healthcare Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming for low-income graduating high school students and adults who are unemployed or underemployed in partnership with local hospitals and EMS providers.
Workforce Training & Entrepreneur Support
Flyte will receive $260,000 to support over 300 Black women entrepreneurs from low- to moderate-income households through their 12-month Entrepreneur Empowerment Program.
Louisiana Green Corps will receive $415,000 for its Construction and Conservation Corps to train young people for high-growth jobs in green construction, water management, and solar industries.
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