The cities of Young Harris and Savannah have each been awarded $20,000 in funding and hands-on capacity-building support from the National League of Cities (NLC) through its 2025 Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program. Backed by the Gates Foundation, the initiative is designed to help municipalities implement strategies that foster upward economic mobility for their residents.
Alongside 10 other cities nationwide, Savannah and Young Harris will receive not only financial support, but also direct technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, and strategic guidance from NLC experts. This assistance helps city leaders develop and expand programs that connect residents to quality jobs, support small business growth, and improve access to essential services.
Young Harris will focus on increasing financial literacy. The city’s Main Street director will partner with Young Harris College and local apartment complexes to offer financial education classes to residents. “This grant allows us to invest in our residents by giving them access to the tools and knowledge they need for long-term financial stability,” said Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby.
Savannah will use its award to expand the Jumpstart Program, which connects high school students with industry-recognized certification opportunities. A new partnership with Groves High School will provide students in the school’s childcare learning track scholarships to earn Child Development Associate certifications. “We are grateful to the NLC for investing in the work we are doing every day to provide more opportunities to give our youth a jumpstart as they transition into adulthood,” Savannah Mayor and NLC Second Vice President Van R. Johnson, II said.
“The National League of Cities is committed to helping local governments create thriving and resilient communities, which starts with ensuring economic mobility for every resident,” said NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony. “Our Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program provides local leaders with the tools, funding, and peer-to-peer connections they need to help create lasting pathways to financial stability and opportunity for their residents.”
Data from Opportunity Insights (PDF) notes that children experience greater economic mobility as adults when they grow up in communities with increasing employment rates, even when their own parents’ employment status stays the same.