By Dave Gatton and Carolyn Merryweather
January 31, 2005

Countrywide Financial has awarded the United States Conference of Mayors a $1 million grant over the next five years for the Mayors National Dollar Wi$e Campaign. The announcement was made on Tuesday, January 18 at the Opening Plenary Session of the U.S. Conference of Mayors 73rd Winter Meeting. The grant will be used to enhance outstanding ongoing local Dollar Wi$e campaigns. The goal of the Mayors National Dollar Wi$e Campaign is to encourage the development of ongoing local financial literacy strategies to educate citizens about financial issues.

"By coming together, our communities will help consumers make informed choices about their finances and their future. We are extremely grateful to Countrywide for this important sponsorship," said President Akron Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic.

The Mayors National Dollar Wi$e Campaign was launched in June, 2004 by the United States Conference of Mayors Council for the New American City. Thirty-four cities in twenty states participated in the campaign during its inaugural year. These cities participated in a wide variety of financial literacy events including courses for high school students on the importance of savings (Akron); training city residents to become financial literacy trainers in their communities (Detroit); holding a financial literacy fair with local banks and non-profit organizations (Rochester, NY); and holding seminars for senior citizens about predatory lending (Providence); among others.

"The campaign is an excellent opportunity for mayors and cities to promote tailored financial literacy programs that focus on the specific needs of their constituents," Jimmie Williams, First Vice President of Governmental Affairs for Countrywide told the mayors.

"We look forward to growing the Campaign through Countrywide's strong support and through the support of all the members of the Council for the New American City," said Detroit Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick, Chair of the Council for the New American City.

For more information about the Mayors National Dollar Wi$e Campaign, please visit www.dollarwiseonline.org.