City Featured in National Report for Providing Financial Literacy Programs to its Residents

COLUMBIA, SC – The City of Columbia was featured in the National League of Cities’ (NLC) report that highlights city leaders’ ongoing commitment to addressing the financial challenges of their residents. Columbia, SC was one of the 25 cities in the United States with more than six financial inclusion programs in place.

“The City can only fully experience a renaissance if all members of our community are able to participate,” said Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine. “The City is committed to providing the tools necessary for our citizens to be financially stable and live better lives.”

The report, City Financial Inclusion Efforts: A National Overview, outlines the work that Columbia, SC is doing to help families that are struggling with debt, foreclosure or other financial challenges. The report summarizes key findings that showcase the depth and breadth of local strategies to help residents become more financially secure.

Councilwoman Devine spearheaded the first Access Columbia conference in April 2014, which was a conference that offered multiple workshops about financial education to youth and adults. Additionally, the City of Columbia’s financial inclusion programs include the largest individual development account program in the state with a city-funded 3:1 match, homeownership assistance and workshops and credit counseling.

The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.

For more information about the City’s financial literacy initiative and programs, call 803-545-3020.