Economic mobility refers to changes in an individual’s economic status over a lifetime and across generations—usually measured in income. Counties and county leaders are uniquely positioned as changemakers through local authorities and duties that leverage county policy, planning and services to foster upward mobility for residents. In 2019, NACo established the Economic Mobility Leadership Network (EMLN) to support county leaders to develop successful economic mobility strategies for their local communities.

EMLN members examine the interconnected issues which comprise economic mobility—ranging from housing affordability to workforce development to access to technology. The network participates in peer-to-peer learning experiences during site visits to member counties around the country. NACo’s “County Levers to Drive Economic Mobility: Local Solutions and Strategies” online report details real-world examples and solutions from EMLN counties that promote economic mobility.

EMLN Convening

PAST CONVENINGS

  • May 22-25, 2023: Coconino County, Ariz.
  • January 10-12, 2023: Mobile County, Ala.
  • September 13–15, 2022: Palm Beach County, Fla.
  • April 24–27, 2022: Mercer County, W.Va.
  • December 7–9, 2021: Loudoun County, Va.
  • October 11–13, 2021: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • 2019: Multnomah County, Ore.; Hennepin County, Minn.; Garrett County, Md.

Coconino County, Ariz.

Watch a video of the May 2023 EMLN convening in Coconino County, Ariz.

Palm Beach County, Fla.

Watch a video of recent EMLN convening in Palm Beach County, Fla. (September 2022)

Loudoun County, Va.

Watch a video of the December 2021 EMLN convening in Loudoun County, Va.