By Terry Schrimscher
Center Point, Ala. — The City of Center Point will receive a grant from the National League of Cities (NLC) in the second phase of NLC’s Southern Cities Economic Initiative (SCEI). Center Point was one of 14 cities chosen for the grant initiative. The city previously received a $15,000 planning grant to build a community coalition that planned for a youth employment and entrepreneurship program.
Funding from the second phase implementation grant will be used to create a community makerspace at the Center Point Public Library and host job fairs for youth with area businesses.
“We are very excited to be a part of this next phase of the Southern Cities Economic Initiatives with NLC,” said Mayor Bobby Scott, Jr. of The City of Center Point. “This allows us to continue to seek out and provide the necessary resources and connections that enhance our community’s economic well-being.”
Center Point joins Atlanta, Ga.; Charlottesville, Va.; Fayetteville, Ark.; Greenville, Miss.; Harrisonburg, Va.; Jackson, Miss.; Jonesboro, Ga.; Lauderhill, Fla.; Little Rock, Ark.; Monroe, La.; Natchitoches, La.; and Thomasville, N.C. in the implementation phase of the initiative.
The South is a region of remarkable strength, innovation and resilience, and cities across the region are primed to overcome the barriers of limited job growth, access to capital and affordable housing,” said NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony. “We are pleased to see this select group of 14 cities work with us and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta to build stronger, more resilient economies and create opportunities for all residents to thrive.”
Funding for the SCEI was made possible by partnerships with The Annie E. Casey Foundation, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Nathan Cummings Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta provided support but did not participate in funding or selection.
