Forming the Florida Prosperity Partnership

1. Forming the Florida Prosperity Partnership Janet Hamer Senior Community Development Manager Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Jacksonville Branch and FPP Board Chair Asset Building: Pathways to Family Economic Stability November 5, 2009

2. Forming the Florida Prosperity Partnership FPP PURPOSE: To convene individuals and organizations with the desire to leverage their talent, resources, and passion to improve the prosperity of Florida’s families. VISION: All Floridians have equal opportunities to attain financial stability. MISSION: Establish a statewide collaboration holistically focused on providing life- enhancing services to Floridians.

3. Forming the Florida Prosperity Partnership Why Us? Because: • The economic downturn has made this the right time for Florida • We’ve been working toward this for years: • Earlier efforts Florida IDA Coalition Florida Prosperity Campaign – centered around legislation • Recent meetings and conferences: NCTC Regional Meeting in 2008 in Memphis—action plans Center for Social Progress Meeting in 2008 in St. Louis • Shared passion and enthusiasm by strong Florida Prosperity Coalitions • Florida Asset Building Coalition and Gulf Coast Regional Asset Building Coalition

4. Forming the Florida Prosperity Partnership Why Now? • Economic downturn - more people reaching out for help • Many Floridians’ financial stability is at a long-time low • Decreased funding to Florida non-profits has presented increased opportunities for partnering • The time is right to gather organizations focused on the same goals and pool resources and efforts • Combined numbers of Florida residents served by participating coalitions and services organizations will have greater voice with state government and businesses

5. Forming the Florida Prosperity Partnership What Did We Do First?? • Began with existing prosperity/asset building coalitions • Focused on organizations performing the same work • Brought tax preparation groups together with asset building groups • Recruited Financial Institutions, Regulatory Agencies, IRS • Enlisted assistance and expertise of University of Florida • Strategically developed a Board of Directors to reflect the diversity of our state, including selecting a Chair that did not represent any one geographic area of the state • Recruited State of Florida CFO, Alex Sink as FPP Honorary Chair • Aligned with Florida Financial Literacy Council

6. Forming the Florida Prosperity Partnership Then What Did We Do?? • Developed relationships with national groups-CFED, Feeding America, National Disabilities Institute • Collaborated with state associations • United Ways • Financial Education Groups • Community Action Agencies • WorkForce Organizations • DCF Groups • Housing Groups • CDCs • Florida Philanthropic Network • Extension Services • Engaged regional leadership through personal visits and a series of regional meetings

7. Forming the Florida Prosperity Partnership What else have we done?? • Identified potential “champions” for FPP causes • Convened a statewide meeting to solidify partnerships and develop strategic plan • Carefully planned to ensure maximum participation • Located in geographic “center” of state • Recruited national speakers and discussed best practices • Convened “post” state conference regional meetings • Unveiled and received feedback on strategic plan • Set up formal regional councils • Recruited committee members and chairs for strategic action committees

9. Forming the Florida Prosperity Partnership And we have also: • Formed basic structure – Agreed on Areas of Focus: • Asset Building Opportunities – strategies focused on outreach, education, awareness, and participation • Community Tax Services – strategies focused on EITC, predatory lending, rural clients, and capacity building for emerging community coalitions • Access to Essential Services – strategies focused on new financial industry products, reaching the un-banked, information and referral • Advocacy – strategies focused on asset limits, financial education standards, and predatory practices

10. Forming the Florida Prosperity Partnership What Have We Learned From All of These Meetings?? • Shared issues throughout Florida • Unemployment, underemployment, low wages • Training, re-training • Basic needs, access to programs (food stamps) • Income/Asset Limits are an issue and need adjustment • Access to public/social services is complicated and confusing • Complex system is hard to navigate for older population and immigrants • Lack of Affordable: • Housing • Transportation • Childcare • Healthcare

11. Forming the Florida Prosperity Partnership What else did we learn?? • Shared issues throughout Florida (continued) • Access to and non-trust for financial institutions • Homeownership sustainability • Basic personal financial literacy • Predatory lending • Access to services in rural areas • Great enthusiasm and willingness to tackle these important issues.

12. Questions?? Thanks Janet Hamer Janet.hamer@atl.frb.org 904-632-3588