Aurora, Illinois

File #: 23-0985    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 11/29/2023 In control: City Council
On agenda: 12/19/2023 Final action: 12/19/2023
Title: A Resolution authorizing execution of a First Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, Inc. ("the CFE Fund") and the City of Aurora for the Aurora Financial Empowerment Center ("Aurora FEC") to continue an FEC Expert Partner ("FEC Expert Partner") until October 31, 2025.
Attachments: 1. First Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, Inc. and the City of Aurora, 2. Original Memorandum of Understanding between the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, Inc. and the City of Aurora
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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin

FROM: Toshia Moss, Program Manager, Innovation & Strategy Division

DATE: November 29, 2023

SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing execution of a First Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, Inc., and the City of Aurora to remain an FEC Expert Partner.

PURPOSE:
The Aurora FEC became an FEC Expert Partner in 2022 and will continue to operate an FEC as a high-quality public service, actively contribute to the national FEC learning community ("FEC Public Learning Community"), receive technical assistance resources, and continue to use the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund ("the CFE Fund") central FEC database at no-cost. The First Amendment allows the Aurora Financial Empowerment Center ("Aurora FEC") to remain an FEC Expert Partner ("FEC Expert Partner") until October 31, 2025.

BACKGROUND:
In 2019, the City of Aurora applied for and received the Financial Empowerment Center Implementation Grant funds from the CFE Fund as a match grant to support municipal engagement to improve the financial stability of low- and moderate-income households by embedding financial empowerment strategies into local government infrastructure. The Neighbor Project (TNP) was hired as the servicing contractors for the grant agreement with CFE. The Aurora FEC became a part of a growing network of FECs embedded in local governments across the country, committed to providing free, one-to-one financial counseling, delivered by professionally trained counselors, to low- and moderate-income residents.

The Aurora FEC was successful in its two-year pilot phase. Thereafter, the City of Aurora extended the contract with The Neighbor Project for up to two annual extensions from 2022-2024 to continue to provide financial counseling and financial literacy to the community.

The CFE Fund has supported and continues to support the Aurora FEC through technical assistance resources, access to the National FEC lea...

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