City of Flint wins Gateways for Growth award to support more immigration

City of Flint wins Gateways for Growth award to support more immigration
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Flint is one of 13 locations across the nation being recognized as a community that welcomes immigrants and embraces diversity.

The New American Economy and Welcoming America this week announced that the city has received the Gateways for Growth award as part of a competitive program to win technical assistance, supportive research and grants to promote greater community inclusion.

The city of Flint was announced as the winner of a national award that will help local leaders and diversity advocates increase immigration into the community.

“The facts prove it: Cities that embrace immigration as a growth strategy reap the benefits,” says John Feinblatt, president of New American Economy. “The Gateways for Growth Challenge spurs more local leaders to step up and make immigration a centerpiece of their economic agenda.”

About 2,000 immigrants live in Flint, according to recent census data. Local organizations like the Arab American Heritage Council of Flint and the Hispanic Technology & Community Center are among advocates for greater diversity and inclusion. As a winner of the award, the city will receive customized data reflecting the economic contributions of local immigrants, technical assistance from New American Economy and Welcoming America to help develop an immigrant integration strategy, and matching grants for additional planning.

“New Americans are a vital component of Flint’s rebirth and revitalization,” says Mayor Karen Weaver. “We look forward to the strategies and ideas that will come from this exciting initiative to help move Flint forward.”

The International Center of Greater Flint (ICGF) will partner with the city in implementing and utilizing resources provided by the Gateways for Growth award.

“ICGF strives to make Flint a vibrant and welcoming global community, and to increase the prosperity of the region by encouraging, building and sustaining strong multicultural relationships,” says Phyllis Sykes, executive director.

Lead Photo: TheHUB File photo/Jim West

 

 

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