Since 11.4 percent of Norfolk citizens are without a bank account and 27.5 percent are without sufficient banking services, many of the city’s households lack emergency savings, making them particularly vulnerable to flooding events and other environmental shocks. Norfolk is one of 10 cities taking part in the Cities of Service Resilience AmeriCorps program. Through this program, the city is engaging with citizens to build and sustain resilience in low-income neighborhoods through initiatives like Bank On, which strengthens the financial literacy of residents with classes and personal coaching sessions.
Norfolk has been a member of the Cities of Service coalition since 2015, when former Mayor Paul Fraim signed the Declaration of Service. Current Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander reaffirmed the city’s commitment to service by signing the Declaration in 2016.
Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander
Kenneth Cooper Alexander was elected mayor of the City of Norfolk on May 3, 2016. A native of Norfolk, he began his public service career more than two decades ago.
Chief Resilience Officer Christine Morris
Christine Morris began working for the City of Norfolk in March of 2013 as assistant to the city manager. Prior to this work, she served as vice president of initiatives for the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.
What's Happening in Norfolk
$3,858
the average increase in retirement savings per Bank On participant
56
the average increase in credit score points per Bank On participant