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City of Albuquerque Extends Financial Navigators Program

Program helped over 400 Burqueños survive financial pitfalls during the pandemic

Feb. 21, 2022

The City of Albuquerque has extended the Financial Navigators Program to May 2022. The program, which is funded by Cities for Financial Empowerment, has helped 424 participants manage expenses, and connect to local service agencies who can help them deal with the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As our City continues to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a priority for our administration is ensuring the safety and well-being of our whole community,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Extending our Financial Navigators Program ensures we continue to provide direct assistance and financial guidance to those who need it most.”

The Financial Navigators Program was launched in October 2020 after Cities for Financial Empowerment awarded funding to the City. The City contracted with two local organizations, New Mexico Dream Team and the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness, to assist in reaching the City’s most marginalized and socially vulnerable communities, including immigrants and refugee families, the homeless population, and families with children. Individuals who participated in the program received referrals to state and local agencies that assist with rent and utilities, legal help to prevent eviction, unemployment assistance, childcare, and Medicaid health insurance.

“With the effects of the pandemic still lingering, people are still struggling to manage the constant changes that affect their financial security,” said Isez Roybal, City of Albuquerque Legal Policy Division Project Manager. “The Financial Navigator Program has helped Albuquerque residents assess and prioritize their financial concerns and get connected to the resources they need.”

The partnership between the City of Albuquerque and Cities for Financial Empowerment aims to support municipal efforts to improve the financial stability of households by leveraging opportunities for local government. By utilizing research combined with large-scale programs, technical assistance, and policy in cities across the country, Cities for Financial Empowerment seeks to assist mayors and other local leaders to help families build assets and make the most of their financial resources. To learn more about Cities for Financial Empowerment and the programs they help fund within the City of Albuquerque, visit cfefund.org/projects.

For additional information about the Financial Navigator Program and how to access services or sign-up for a session, visit cabq.gov/finnav or call 505-768-4242. Additional languages are available through the website.