JPMorgan Chase’s AdvancingCities Grant

Advancing Cities Baton Rouge is a place-based economic development initiative focused on North Baton Rouge, funded through JPMorgan Chase’s national AdvancingCities Challenge. Build Baton Rouge led the initiative in partnership with MetroMorphosis, TruFund Financial Services, Southern University Law Center, and the City-Parish.

Through the grant, the coalition provided flexible capital and technical support to small businesses, launched a façade improvement program along key corridors, assembled and prepared strategic land for redevelopment, built out Erie Street Eco Park, and laid the groundwork for a community-governed land bank and trust. Together, these components demonstrate how coordinated, locally driven investment can begin to repair systemic disinvestment.

Baton Rouge was one of only seven cities nationwide to receive this award.

Beyond buildings and infrastructure, every BBR project aims to create lasting impact. These benefits reflect how the project improves lives, supports neighborhood growth, and contributes to Baton Rouge’s long-term vitality.

Benefits:

• Funded loans and grants that helped stabilize and grow small businesses
• Delivered highly visible improvements to North Baton Rouge storefronts
• Created Erie Street Eco Park, a sustainable green space developed with community input
• Assembled key parcels for long-term community-aligned reuse
• Launched Baton Rouge’s first community land bank and trust model
• Strengthened collaboration between residents, public agencies, and anchor institutions

Advancing Cities Baton Rouge shows what’s possible when capital, coordination, and community voice come together. With tangible improvements already in place—and new tools like a community land trust now established—this initiative has laid the groundwork for a more inclusive, resident-driven approach to neighborhood investment.