URBAN LEAGUE
AFFILIATE CENSUS SURVEY
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES & ECONOMIC IMPACT
SUMMARY + THE FUTURE URBAN LEAGUE
EMPOWERMENT CENTER
Anderson, Ph.D.
A NOTE ABOUT TIMING AND CENSUS DATA
While the data in the report reflects activities conducted by the affiliates in 2023, it was collected and analyzed in 2024, which is why you will see references to 2023 throughout this analysis. This is similar to your federal income tax, you report income earned in the previous year.
INTRODUCTION
Marking 114th year since the founding of the Urban League, the 2024 Urban League Affiliate Census Survey is the 19th analysis of the social and economic impact of its affiliates.
The data reported in the 2024 analysis represents the critical role social, economic and civil rights organizations such as the Urban League and its affiliates perform in the 21st century.
Urban League affiliates are a vital lifeline in local communities. As challenges mount for local citizens, affiliates help residents obtain services and access resources that enhance their quality of life.
Through it all, Urban League demonstrate adaptability, shifting their programing to effectively respond to the needs of local communities in emergencies, disasters, or with the challenges of everyday life.
SOCIAL IMPACT ANALYSIS
SIGNIFICANT TRENDS IN THE 2023 CENSUS
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES & ECONOMIC IMPACT
In 2023, the 92 affiliates served more than 300 communities. Their programming directly aligned with the Urban League’s mission of economic empowerment, equity, self-reliance, social justice and civil rights.
In the past year, a wave of civil and social justice movements swept across America demanding change on issues of racial inequality, criminal justice reform, and social advocacy. The following slides will explore these events in further detail.
THE EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS – PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2023
An additional 300,000 people were served through public contact activities such as advocacy, community forums, and social media engagement.
SOCIAL IMPACT OF THE URBAN LEAGUE AFFILIATE MOVEMENT:
1. In 2023, the 92 Urban League affiliates managed 836 programs that provided critical social, economic, health and civic engagement programs to more than 3 million participants. Of the five empowerment programs, the two that experienced reduction in funding from the previous year were education (21) and workforce development (12).
2. The social and economic programs with the highest social impact were:
A. HEALTH
B. HOUSING
C. EDUCATION
D. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS
E. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
F. OTHER PROGRAMS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
A. HEALTH
Minority residents in urban areas still face numerous complex health challenges due to deeply rooted socioeconomic disparities, systemic racism, and barriers to accessing affordable and quality health care.
To tackle these obstacles and ensure access to healthcare, local affiliates provided healthcare services to 467,798 citizens in 2023. The assistance focused on women, children, infants, special populations, individuals affected by COVID-related illness, and senior citizens.
Acquiring affordable health insurance continues to be a significant challenge for thousands of African American families mainly due to a combination of economic and employment disparities, and various social, interpersonal, and structural barriers.
Making a significant impact in addressing this issue. In 2023, Urban League affiliates directly assisted 101,307 clients with their health insurance needs.
B. HOUSING
HOME
Access to quality affordable housing remains elusive in many urban communities. A burden elevates the financial and social stress to families already experiencing economic hardship. To address this housing crisis, Urban League affiliates helped more than 114,000 residents. The assistance included obtaining housing assistance to avoid foreclosure, eviction, offering financial literacy strategies to purchase a home, and providing financial literacy courses.
Through partnerships with 27 HUD approved housing counseling agencies, 54,177 participants benefitted from the below services:
• 20,662 participants enrolled in comprehensive housing counseling services
• 2,627 participants engaged in foreclosure counseling services, of which 1,857 foreclosures were able to prevent foreclosure
• 1,387 received homeless counseling services
• 2,991 participated in Pre-Purchase Counseling services
Education services
• 2,029 received full Rental Counseling services
• 1,352 participated in Financial Literacy Education services
• 1,442 participated in Fair Housing Education services
• 1,438 participated in Predatory Education services
• 13,500 participated in financial empowerment programs
• 12,415 inquired or attended home ownership classes
• 2,322 participants became first time homeowners in 2023
C. EDUCATION
Underfunded urban schools have historically struggled to provide students with the services and personnel to enhance their educational experience and academic performance.
Urban League affiliates filled a critical gap by providing diverse educational services to 74,515 participants, an increase of 9,000 persons from the previous year.
The affiliates’ impactful educational services helped 41% of participants graduate from high school, a 3% improvement from the previous year.
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
There was also a 4% increase of participants submitting college applications from 35% in 2022 to 39% in 2023.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT &
ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS
Since 2021, the landscape for workforce development in the United States has reflected the continued transformation of America’s economic and social institutions. For thousands of African Americans, the structural changes in workforce development critically impacts their quality of life, their family and their community’s future.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PARTICIPANTS
In 2023, the total number of clients who received counseling in workforce development programs decreased from 55,856 in 2022 to 30,983 in 2023. A total of 25,210 participants completed workforce development training, of which 33% (8,540) were placed in jobs.
WELFARE to WORK PARTICIPANTS
Although participation in welfare-to-work programs declined from 3,550 in 2022 to 1,886 in 2023, 71% (1,311) of the participants were placed in jobs.
It should be noted that beyond securing employment and financial independence, having a job fostered important psychological and social benefits, such as improved
African American entrepreneurship has always been a driving force for growth and creativity, and it remains an overlooked asset in this nation’s economic landscape, contributing to persistent racial inequality. The Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Centers offer training on business development and training, help entrepreneurs secure capital, provide certifications courses, and financial management classes. In the economic impact section of this summary, Dr. Bernard Anderson further analyzes the economic impact of entrepreneurship programs provided by the Urban League in the economic impact section of this report.
E. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
An effective democracy and society relies on the civic participation of all citizens to ensure their voices are heard and rights are fully protected. Civic engagement ensures that citizens can help shape political, social, and economic policies, and hold officials accountable.
By affiliates working in collaboration with local organizations, churches, and agencies, 2.8 million citizens received information, participated in rallies or events, registered to vote, and voiced their concerns about issues confronting their community.
The diverse civic engagement activities ranged from education to healthcare, and criminal justice.
While an additional 300,00 residents benefited from the programmatic and information services at forums, community seminars, and social media, they were not counted as participants because they did not directly receive a service or participate in a program.
OTHER PROGRAMS & EMERGENCY SERVICES
In 2023, United States residents experienced a record-breaking 28 separate weather and climate disasters that caused billions in destruction and damage.
These events, ranging from severe storms to flooding, left a trail of destruction beyond homes and cars. Residents experienced a litany of financial burdens including interruptions in employment, school closures, and challenges to receiving medical care.
These services prioritized vulnerable populations such as senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. +329,000 RESIDENTS SERVED
Affiliates in impacted communities provided emergency and other essential services including clothing, food, and shelter to more than 329,000 residents.
2023 MEDIA IMPRESSIONS
SIGNIFICANT MEDIA EVENTS
Earned and social media content from the Urban League generated a combined 59 billion views. Media impressions are an estimate of the number of times your content has been displayed on a screen.
In 2023, affiliates and the national office collaborated on several joint events. The following reflects media impressions for paid, social and non-partisan direct voter engagement.
• 2023 Annual Conference
• State of Black America report National Media
MSNBC, NBC Nightly News, CNN, Rickey
Smiley Morning Show, America’s Black Forum & other national news interviews
• Freedom to Learn campaign
• Book bans and attacks on Black history & DEI
• Council for Economic Opportunity & Social Justice
• Urban Empowerment Center construction
• Safe and Just Communities Summit
• 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington
• Marc Morial’s 20th anniversary as NUL President & CEO
• Vice President Kamala Harris' Africa tour
PUBLICATIONS:
•National Urban League’s Annual Report, ReMarcs
•Public Policy Advocacy and Research Efforts (National UrbanLeague’s WashingtonBureau)
•Podcasts
2023 MEDIA IMPRESSIONS: EARNED & SOCIAL
Media impressions refer to the number of times your content has been displayed on a screen. In 2023, earned media content from the Urban League generated 46 billion views.
The 19.7 social media impressions represent the total number of times content from the Urban League is viewed on various social media platforms. Thus, elevating the visibility of the affiliate movement.
46 BILLION
SOCIAL MEDIA IMPRESSIONS
19.7 MILLION
URBAN LEAGUE EMPOWERMENT CENTER IN HARLEM
The National Urban League will relocate its headquarters to a new 17-story mixed-use development. This new space will combine retail space with offices for other non-profit organizations and the Urban Civil Rights Museum.
The new headquarters will have a significant impact on multiple institutions in the Harlem community by fostering creative social, cultural, and economic engagement, while also strengthening social cohesion among residents. This headquarters is poised to make a transformative social and economic impact for generations to come. We eagerly anticipate conducting future analyses to measure the Urban League’s contributions to the community and nation.
CUMULATIVE SOCIAL & ECONOMIC IMPACT
ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE 2023
In the nineteen years that we have conducted the social and economic impact analysis of the Urban League affiliate movement, the number of people served has increased substantially from 628,000 in 2005 to more than 3 million in 2023.
Despite facing a recession, a global pandemic, and several natural disasters affecting millions of people, this phenomenal growth was achieved.
The programs and services provided by the affiliates have accomplished the following:
• 28,978 aspiring homeowners purchased their first home
• 3.5 million students and adults have benefitted from education services
• 146,353 homeowners avoided foreclosure
• 256,883 workforce development clients secured employment
• 3 million citizens received various essential services
• 10.8 million citizens have been mobilized in civic engagement/civil rights activities
• 9.1 million have benefitted from healthcare services
ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE IN 2023
INTRODUCTION
The economic impact of the National Urban League refers to the dollar value of economic activity it generates as the organization strives to achieve equal social and economic opportunities for minority groups in the United States. The Urban League's programs, which include civil rights advocacy and service provision in areas such as workforce development, housing, and business development, contribute to the growth of the United States economy while enhancing the social and economic well-being of thousands of families.
DETERMINING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT
The economic impact of the Urban League is the spending generated by the following:
1. Administrative operations by headquarters office and the affiliates
2. Spending by participants who received services in workforce development and housing programs
3. Sales generated by new businesses founded by participants in entrepreneurship training and business development services
We will summarize the value of the National Urban League's operations in the following slides.
ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS
OF THE 2023 AFFILIATE CENSUS SURVEY
In 2023, the total economic impact generated by these activities was $996,106
WHY THE ECONOMIC IMPACT DECLINED
The total economic impact of the National Urban League in 2023 was $996 million, a decline form the $1.2 billion in 2022.
The revised methodology used to estimate the economic impact of workforce development programs is one reason for the difference.
Additionally, 24,873 fewer workforce development clients received counseling, and 10,919 fewer participants enrolled in employment development programs.
This estimate calculates economic impact by multiplying the number of participants placed in jobs by their average earnings.
Previously, we reported average hourly earnings, assuming full-time, year-round work (2,080 hours).
This year, the estimate of economic impact used average annual earnings (AAE) instead of the wage rate of the individuals placed; because average annual earnings captures the earnings of part-time workers.
According to Bloomberg, in 2023, the number of parttime workers increased to 47%. A trend that suggests a growing preference for part-time workers.
Average annual earnings also captures the earnings of part-time workers.
This change in the earnings metric reduced the estimate of economic impact for both workforce development and welfare-to-work programs, decreasing the total economic impact of the National Urban League in 2023 to $996 million.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 2023
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 2023
Number of participants in workforce development programs 25,210
Number placed in jobs 8,540
Average annual earnings for workforce development participants $10,323
Number of participants in welfare-to-work programs 1,886
Number placed in jobs 1,311
Average annual earnings for welfare-towork participants $10,300
Two hundred and six (206) programs provided assistance to clients seeking employment opportunities in 2023, a 3.0% increase from 2022. More than 25,210 individuals participated in workforce development programs, with 8,540 of them successfully placed in jobs that offered an average annual earning of $10,323.
As a result, workforce development activity produced an economic impact of $88,158,420.
Affiliates with welfare-to-work programs served 1,886 participants. Of those participants, 1,311 individuals (69.5%) were successfully placed in jobs with an average annual earning of $10,300. The economic impact of the welfare-to-work programs amounted to $1,353,453.
Altogether, the combined workforce development programs generated an overall economic impact of $89,511,873.
HOMEOWNERSHIP 2023
The goal of the 108 home ownership programs provided by the affiliates was to increase homeownership as a financial strategy to narrow the wealth gap in urban communities, and prevent homeowners from losing their homes.
• In 2023, a total of 16,239 participants enrolled in homeownership classes at Urban League affiliates, of whom 14% purchased homes.
• The average home purchase price was $94,576.
• This represents an estimated economic impact for the housing programs at $219,605,472.
Last year Urban League affiliates provided assistance to 16,239 clients seeking information or help to purchase a home. Of that number, 2,322 clients (or 14%), purchased a home. The average price of the purchased homes was $94,576, resulting in an economic impact of $219,605,472 for the housing programs.
It's important to note that our analysis does not measure the additional economic impact of purchasing furniture and home appliances.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 2023
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 2023
Number of participants served 30,870
Businesses owned by program participants received loans, grants, & contracts nurturing an economic impact of
$83,887,287
In 2023, 13 affiliates operated entrepreneurship centers. These centers served a total of 30,870 clients. Among the clients, 83.2% were African American, 4.7% were Hispanic, and 8.5% were White.
In 2022, a total of 162 new businesses were founded. Entrepreneurship program participants owned a total of 1,157 businesses, operating at various stages of development: 725 were in the early stage, 355 were expanding, and 77 were mature operating businesses. The centers provided a wide range of counseling and training services to the participants, including financial management, marketing, human resources consultation, and contracting. The total sales of the businesses amounted to $580,000. Additionally, the contracts for goods and services reached a total of $83,307,287, resulting in a total economic activity of the centers amounting to $83,887,287.
TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE URBAN LEAGUE MOVEMENT SINCE 2005
$21 BILLION
CONCLUSION
The United States has a long and complex history with African Americans. This history is marked by both progress and persistent challenges. In the evolving landscape of social justice and equality, the Urban League plays a crucial role as an advocate, and influencer, in addressing the persistent inequities faced by African Americans and marginalized communities.
Undoubtedly, the entrenched social and economic disparities affecting millions of minorities in America not only digs them deeper into the grave of poverty and inequality, but also erode their social and economic stability and confidence in this nation’s institutions and democracy.
As America continues to grapple with its unfulfilled promises to African Americans, women, and other minorities, the Urban League's advocacy and programs are essential warriors in the fight for justice and equality in the 21st century and beyond.
