Southern Economic Advancement Project
Together, Progress is Possible
We partner with policy thinkers and doers to amplify their efforts and bridge gaps in policy infrastructure. Our goal is to advance policies that improve economic security, access to healthcare, and environmental justice for all Southerners.
Our StoryWHAT WE DO
Areas of Focus
Environmental Justice
As climate change and extreme weather adversely impact the South, now is the time for action.
Economic Security
All Southerners deserve security in basic needs like food, housing, and transportation.
Access to Healthcare
We work towards policies that promote healthy living and access to quality care.
“Across the South, we have local leaders dedicated to improving the lives of those around us, and our goal is to call upon that common bond and support this transformative work through the Southern Economic Advancement Project.”
STACEY ABRAMS
SEAP Founder and Board Advisor
How We Do It
Initiatives
- Our Dollars, Our Dreams
- SouthStrong Policy Entrepreneur Program
- Economic Recovery Corps
- Housing Policy
- Food Security
- The SEAP Table
- Community Voice
- Local Budget Equity
Our Dollars, Our Dreams
We’re working to expand equity and engagement practices in budgeting and empower Southern communities to take ownership of public dollars.
Get Involved
SouthStrong Policy Entrepreneur Program
SEAP has launched a new Policy Entrepreneur Program to strengthen the policy ecosystem. It is designed to empower leaders with policy creation and advocacy skills through a comprehensive year-long curriculum.
Learn More
Economic Recovery Corps
SEAP is thrilled to announce our selection as a host community for the first Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) cohort. This groundbreaking initiative will connect 65 Fellows with Host Sites across 44 states and U.S. territories, fostering a nationwide network of diverse practitioners and leaders. We are honored to welcome Fenika Miller to our team.
Learn More
Housing Policy
We convene, support, and amplify a practitioner community of practice that shifts housing systems toward racial equity across the South. Our primary goals are to:
- Foster cross-state solidarity among Southern housing organizers and policy advocates who work at the state and local level and prioritize racial equity.
- Create tools, templates, and resources that assist housing advocates and reduce their need to “recreate the wheel” in each locale.
- Provide space for learning, rejuvenation and momentum for a field that faces incredible obstacles.
- Co-create infrastructure that alters entrenched housing systems across the South.
Food Security
By investing in community-level data and research and supporting coalition work, we champion food policy efforts led by the people who know what their communities need.
Learn More
The SEAP Table
We are bringing Southern changemakers together across state lines and policy areas in our online community, the SEAP Table. Join today and connect with, learn from, and grow in your work alongside other leaders working to build a more equitable South.
Pull Up A Seat
Community Voice
We work to bring communities into policy conversations so they can help shape the programs that impact their wellbeing.
Learn More
Local Budget Equity
Communities thrive when resources are allocated equitably and residents can engage in budgetary processes. That’s why our local budget equity work centers on creating spaces for budget advocates to work and learn together.
Learn More
Our Dollars, Our Dreams
We’re working to expand equity and engagement practices in budgeting and empower Southern communities to take ownership of public dollars.
Get Involved
SouthStrong Policy Entrepreneur Program
SEAP has launched a new Policy Entrepreneur Program to strengthen the policy ecosystem. It is designed to empower leaders with policy creation and advocacy skills through a comprehensive year-long curriculum.
Learn More
Economic Recovery Corps
SEAP is thrilled to announce our selection as a host community for the first Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) cohort. This groundbreaking initiative will connect 65 Fellows with Host Sites across 44 states and U.S. territories, fostering a nationwide network of diverse practitioners and leaders. We are honored to welcome Fenika Miller to our team.
Learn More
Housing Policy
We convene, support, and amplify a practitioner community of practice that shifts housing systems toward racial equity across the South. Our primary goals are to:
Learn More
Food Security
By investing in community-level data and research and supporting coalition work, we champion food policy efforts led by the people who know what their communities need.
Learn More
The SEAP Table
We are bringing Southern changemakers together across state lines and policy areas in our online community, the SEAP Table. Join today and connect with, learn from, and grow in your work alongside other leaders working to build a more equitable South.
Pull Up A Seat
Community Voice
We work to bring communities into policy conversations so they can help shape the programs that impact their wellbeing.
Learn More
Local Budget Equity
Communities thrive when resources are allocated equitably and residents can engage in budgetary processes. That’s why our local budget equity work centers on creating spaces for budget advocates to work and learn together.
Learn More
Contact Us
We Want to Hear From You
Connect with SEAP about potential partnerships, requests for assistance, and more.
Research
View All Research
Southern Voices: Reflections on Five Years of Community-Centered Data Projects
September 25, 2025
From Policy to Possibility: Southern Lessons from the Community Change Grant
June 20, 2025
New SEAP, NCoC Report Highlights Regional Climate Action Planning Achievements in American South
October 21, 2024
Learnings Report: Power-building and Organizing for Equitable Federal Funding in New Orleans
September 30, 2024
Pathways to Prosperity: Building Climate Resilience
February 5, 2024
SEAP Brief: Community Voice in Federal Funds
January 31, 2024
Federal Infrastructure Funds: How Communities are Prioritizing Equity, Transparency, and Good Jobs
December 20, 2023
American Rescue Plan (ARP) and Equity Initiatives
October 26, 2023
An 8-point framework for tracking the rise of large corporate landlords in single-family rentals
October 26, 2023
SEAP’s New Survey Results Reveal Food Security as an Emerging Top Challenge in LA, SC and TN
June 7, 2023
Louisiana, South Carolina and Tennessee Residents Weigh in on Federal Funding
June 7, 2023
Organizing for Federal Funds: Case Studies from Southern Organizers
May 15, 2023
The South We Serve
SEAP seeks out, develops, and maintains strong partnerships with hundreds of leaders and organizations throughout the South. From technical assistance to microgrants, we help implement policies that improve the quality of life for vulnerable Southern communities and families.
SEAP has a direct focus on the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Alabama
SEAP partnered with Feeding Alabama to survey Alabama mothers receiving WIC benefits. The survey shed light on both how effective the program is at supporting mothers and their children, while also offering insights into how WIC could be improved.
Arkansas
Arkansas Black Mayors Association received a $250,000 urban forestry grant to plant trees in Arkansas communities that experience excessive heat. SEAP provided technical assistance and grant writing support to ABMA through the Our Dollars, Our Dreams initiative.
Florida
SEAP has partnered with the City of Sanibel, FL to support their application for FEMA disaster recovery grant funds.
Georgia
As part of the Economic Recovery Corps fellowship, SEAP has partnered with the Georgia AME Church’s Sixth District to support their Clean Energy Micro-Grid Project. This work is increasing the adoption of renewable energy sources, enhancing energy resilience, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering community engagement within the district.
Kentucky
The University of Louisville, Kentucky Equal Justice Center, Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, and Centre College have united with the SouthStrong initiative by the SEAP. This collaboration aims to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact in Kentucky, focusing on an equity-centered response. Their commitment is crucial in addressing the state’s socioeconomic disparities and ensuring equitable access to public resources for Kentucky’s most affected communities.
Louisiana
In 2025, SEAP partnered with HousingLouisiana to co-host For Our Neighbors and Our Communities, a regional housing convening for Southern housing advocates.
Mississippi
SEAP partnered with Mississippi advocates to build a coalition that works to advocate for child feeding programs administered across the state. The coalition is currently working to engage lawmakers on implementing SUN Bucks, a USDA-funded supplementary program for SNAP-eligible households aimed at reducing summer hunger.
North Carolina
In 2025, SEAP partnered with NC Housing Coalition to co-host For Our Neighbors and Our Communities, a regional housing convening for Southern housing advocates.
South Carolina
In 2025, SEAP provided communications support to the SC Affordable Housing Coalition and supported the development of their new website.
Tennessee
Memphis & West Tennessee Building Trades Council’s “Midsouth Construction Careers” pre-apprenticeship program equips unemployed and underemployed residents with the skills they need to secure high-paying, stable jobs in the building trades. SEAP has supported MCC’s work to secure local funding by providing proposal development and strategic planning assistance through the Our Dollars, Our Dreams initiative.
Virginia
SEAP has partnered with the City of Damascus, VA to support their application for FEMA disaster recovery grant funds.
West Virginia
In 2022, the West Virginia Student Basic Needs Coalition achieved a significant milestone. The coalition successfully introduced a bill proposing the establishment of a basic needs office within student services at colleges. This initiative is crucial, aiming to provide essential resources and guidance for students navigating their college experience.
“We’re so proud of our amazing student leaders and all they have accomplished this year. Thank you all again for your support of their work. This opportunity has allowed us to amplify students’ voices and help them make their visions a reality.”
Resources
Latest News
Get the latest updates, including research findings, success stories, and organization news.
View All Articles