The city of New Orleans, LA is launching a new program – the Crescent City Card Program – to provide residents with access to financial resources and city services in the form of a multi-purpose card. The program includes a series of initiatives and products to offer financial inclusion, access to emergency disbursements, incentives to drive economic growth, empower underbanked residents, and provide better access to City services – such as recreation centers, parks, libraries, and public transportation.
“This series of initiatives will address racial and wealth gaps that we know are prevalent right here in our city,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “My administration continues to identify innovative ways to serve and empower our residents and will make sure that the unbanked are banked and have access to financial education and other resources so that they can attend to basic needs and continue to invest in themselves. We are strategically focused and being intentional in meeting our people where they are as we invest in their future. “
The program is the result of a partnership between the city, Mastercard, Mobility Capital Finance, Inc. (MoCaFi), and Forward Together New Orleans. Earlier this year, the partnership launched the Hurricane Ida Emergency Relief Program to distribute $190,000 to residents to aid in recovery efforts. These funds were distributed through an Immediate Response Card furnished by MoCaFi, which acts as a prepaid bank card for quick and easy use.
“Mastercard is proud to join Mayor Cantrell, the City of New Orleans, and MoCaFi to introduce this first-in-the-nation partnership connecting New Orleans residents and businesses to the digital economy,” said Linda Kirkpatrick, President of Mastercard North America. “With our product innovation and insights, Mastercard is helping cities like New Orleans accelerate recovery with equity and resiliency in mind so they are better equipped for the future. We are committed to investing in New Orleans and look forward to partnering on new solutions like the Crescent City Card that support citizens and small businesses who call this great city home.”