Program Supports Community Initiatives to Boost ALICE Households
FREDERICK, Md. – The Urban Institute selected Frederick County Government, along with community partners the United Way of Frederick County, Data Driven Frederick and other community leaders, to participate in the Institute’s Mobility Action Learning Network. The network provides free technical assistance to teams of community leaders who are moving people out of poverty and creating equity.
“I am excited to partner with the Urban Institute to help break down barriers to economic mobility in Frederick County,” County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. “The Mobility Action Learning Network gives us an opportunity to engage in collaborative problem solving with other communities across the country who are committed to addressing the underlying causes of poverty.”
Over the next year, the team will utilize a data-driven approach to finding solutions by utilizing existing data, such as the Child Care Market Study, the ALICE Report, and other local data to determine where they can make the greatest impact collectively.
As a member of the network, Frederick County will participate in virtual workshops, peer-learning opportunities, and advisory support calls with Urban Institute experts for 12 months. Urban will cover costs related to travel and accommodations associated with attending an in-person learning exchange.
Frederick County Government’s mobility action team will include a wide range of County services and resources, under the leadership of Lara Fritts, Director of Economic Opportunity. Other participating divisions and agencies include: Housing, Transit, Equity and Inclusion, Health Equity Office, and the Office of Children and Families, including the Local Management Board. Nongovernment partners include the United Way, with a focus on its ALICE Report; Hood College and its Data Driven Frederick project; and other interested organizations, which provides community leadership, funding, and technical support.
The Urban Institute selected up to 30 teams nationally to participate in the Mobility Action Learning Network. To be eligible, a team must include local leaders from government agencies and nongovernment organizations that can create and sustain change. The goal is to lift people out of poverty through programs, policies, and actions. The network will equip members with data, practices, and opportunities to learn from each other to address local challenges related to upward mobility and racial equity work.