The National League of Cities (NLC) has selected Phoenix as a “model city” for its commitment to improving the lives of low- to moderate-income families by developing initiatives to foster asset building and financial literacy. As part of the honor, Phoenix will host representatives of the NLC and six cities on Oct. 13 and 14 to showcase the ways in which city leaders can support and/or initiate asset-building initiatives within their own communities.

As a highlight of the visit, the city of Phoenix Human Services Department will demonstrate its work on local asset-building initiatives including the Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign, Financial Education program and Family Self-Sufficiency program. Municipal leaders from the visiting cities will learn ways to succeed in their efforts to lift families out of poverty and to achieve a level of sustainable financial security.

"We are honored to have been recognized by the NLC for our success in launching innovative asset-building initiatives and are pleased to have the opportunity to assist other U.S. cities, both large and small, by furthering their efforts to reduce poverty and bring benefit to their local economies," said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon. "As we work closely with low-income families to secure personal credit, attain achievable goals of budgeting and savings, and realize long-term dreams of home ownership, it is easy to see that everyone wins...families become financially stable, the entire community becomes stronger and the quality of life for all Phoenix residents is improved."

The visits are part of the NLC's 16-month technical assistance project, Cities Helping Families Build Assets, where Phoenix, along with Baltimore, Indianapolis and Miami, were selected as models for their contributions to help their citizens secure financial stability. The cities visiting Phoenix include Durham, N.C.; Grayson, Okla.; Itta Bena, Miss.; Louisville, Ky.; Orlando, Fla.; and Savannah, Ga.

Each host city will focus on one of the following important asset-building strategies: financial literacy; homeownership counseling and incentives; asset accumulation strategies, such as savings campaigns; and Individual Development Account programs or asset protection to help families avoid predatory lending practices and other wealth-stripping traps. Phoenix will focus on financial literacy and asset accumulation.

NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education and Families has partnered with the Annie E. Casey Foundation to support participating cities’ efforts by providing training, technical assistance and other tools and materials.