Employer-Based Asset Building

The Council is identifying and developing programs and tools for employer-based income and asset building. While a sustainable wage is the first step towards financial health, other services and products, such as financial education, have proven to be effective at employer sites, benefitting both employees in terms of increased financial health, and employers in terms of retention and productivity. The Council is partnering with East Bay Community Foundation to provide services and products, including a pre-paid debit card and matched savings accounts, to the employees of Jack London Square's Food Pavilion. The Council is also developing an employer toolkit to help employers identify employee's financial needs and offer effective strategies to leverage income including opt-out retirement plans, on-site tax preparation, employer-based payday loan alternatives, and financial education.

Cash for Employers!

Urban Strategies Council has partnered with East Bay Community Foundation, Inner City Advisors and One California Foundation along with Alameda County Social Services and the City of Oakland to provide information to employers on cost-saving strategies including an 80% wage subsidy through September 2010.

For more information, call or email Lisa Forti, lisaf(at)urbanstrategies.org