Savannah selected for national initiative focused on financial empowerment
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The City of Savannah has been selected to participate in a program that supports local governments in developing comprehensive financial empowerment strategies.
The CityStart initiative is led by the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund). The City will receive intensive technical aid and a $100,000 planning grant to craft a community-informed financial empowerment blueprint.
This plan will guide policy and programming to support residents in building assets, improving economic mobility, and creating long-term financial stability.
'Building wealth at the neighborhood level is key to building a stronger Savannah for everyone,' Mayor Van R. Johnson II said 'Through this initiative, we are not only addressing the barriers our residents face now but also creating a roadmap that breaks generational curses and empowers families to leave financial legacies for their children's, children.'
'CityStart gives Savannah the tools, expertise, and partnerships we need to turn financial empowerment into lasting outcomes for our residents,' City Manager Jay Melder said, 'We're excited to build on the work we've already begun and to design a locally driven strategy that reflects the voices and needs of our community.'
'Across the country, leaders are using the levers of local government to deploy financial empowerment strategies that improve their residents' financial stability,' Jonathan Mintz, president and CEO of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund said. 'Our CityStart initiative provides a platform for deep engagement between governments, residents, and other critical partners to create a community-informed plan for transforming residents' financial lives. We look forward to working with the City of Savannah and Mayor Van Johnson to advance financial empowerment and wealth opportunities in Savannah.'
Through CityStart, Savannah will align with local priorities and partnership opportunities, helping residents grow, sustain, and protect their assets. Savannah joins the seventh national CityStart cohort, which also includes:
Kansas City, Mo.
Memphis, Tenn.
Milwaukee County, WI
Springfield, Mass.
St. Petersburg, Fla.
To date, 44 localities have participated in the CityStart process.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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