The ROC Cohort Program supports cross-sector community groups in identifying community-led solutions that address barriers to economic mobility in their local economies.

The 2024 Cohort program will offer two tracks: inclusive rental housing, in partnership with NeighborWorks America, and workforce development, in partnership with Equitable Cities Consulting. Each community cohort will enroll in one of the two available tracks.

Cohorts are made up of community members representing either the local workforce development or housing sectors and are led by an organization with deep ties to the local community. This year’s partners include the Federal Reserve Banks of San Francisco, Kansas City, Atlanta, Richmond, and Chicago.

Meet this year's participating communities

The 2024 cohorts represent 11 communities from nine states across the country.

 

A map of the U.S. with dots indicating where program participants hail from.

  • Camden, New Jersey
  • Central Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
  • Choctaw County, Oklahoma
  • Decatur, Alabama
  • Easton, Pennsylvania
  • Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
  • Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
  • Linn County, Iowa
  • Purple Line Corridor, Maryland
  • Salt Lake County, Utah
  • Southwest Wisconsin

Download the 2024 handbook for details on the program and participating communities.

During the 14-month ROC program, cohorts participate in a racial equity training program led by research and practitioner experts, attend interactive webinars on topics related to housing or the labor market, and receive coaching and advising from national community and economic development leaders.

Cohorts will develop a multiyear equity plan designed to strengthen their regional economy through community-led, data-driven strategies. Participants will also engage in peer learning and have opportunities to network with communities across the nation facing similar challenges.