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Initiatives Under President Obama by HUD and Other Federal Agencies

HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

The present evolution of this Vision and Strategic Implementation Matrix for establishing a national network of CAN DO! Community Economic Development Empowerment Resource Centers was articulated in a response to then President Elect Obama's invitation through www.change.org for citizens to suggest possible enhancements to the Federal Government. Click Here for that initial presentation as a PDF.

Later as I reviewed HUD's Five Year Strategic Plan, I was inspired and deeply appreciative of the comprehensive vision and mission developed under Secretary Shaun Donovan. The Plan and the five major goals it establishes are far more in alignment with the principles and practices of Community Economic Development that include Self-Help, Empowerment and Capacity Building than the five Administrations I had previously served under.

Goal 1: Strengthen the Nation's Housing Market To Bolster the Economy and Protect Consumers
Goal 2: Meet the Need for Quality Affordable Rental Homes
Goal 3: Utilize Housing as a Platform for Improving Quality of Life
Goal 4: Build Inclusive and Sustainable Communities Free From Discrimination
Goal 5: Transform the Way HUD Does Business

Click on the link for more details  http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/cfo/stratplan


Sustainable Housing and Communities

HUD AND DOT AWARD $68 MILLION TO CREATE SUSTAINABLE LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
Unprecedented joint funding to foster integrated approach to housing, jobs and transportation

October 20,2010. WASHINGTON – In an unprecedented collaboration between two federal agencies, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today jointly awarded nearly $68 million to help stimulate a new generation of sustainable and livable communities that connect housing, employment and economic development with transportation and other infrastructure improvements. The joint HUD-DOT funding will support 62 local and regional partnerships seeking to create a more holistic and integrated approach to connecting affordable housing, job opportunities and transportation corridors. HUD is awarding $40 million in new Sustainable Community Challenge Grants to help support local planning designed to integrate affordable housing, good jobs and public transportation. Meanwhile, DOT is awarding nearly $28 million in TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) II Planning Grants to implement localized plans that ultimately lead to projects that integrate transportation, housing and economic development. Click the link for details http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2010/HUDNo.10-242

Choice Neighborhoods. HUD AWARDS FIRST CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD GRANTS
17 communities awarded Planning Grants; six others named finalists for Implementation Grants

The Choice Neighborhoods initiative will transform distressed neighborhoods and public and assisted projects into viable and sustainable mixed-income neighborhoods. Choice Neighborhoods grants transforms distressed neighborhoods and public and assisted projects into viable and sustainable mixed-income neighborhoods by linking housing improvements with appropriate services, schools, public assets, transportation, and access to jobs. A strong emphasis is placed on local community planning for access to high-quality educational opportunities, including early childhood education. Choice Neighborhoods grants build upon the successes of public housing transformation under HOPE VI to provide support for the preservation and rehabilitation of public and HUD-assisted housing, within the context of a broader approach to concentrated poverty. In addition to public housing authorities, the initiative will involve local governments, non-profits, and for-profit developers in undertaking comprehensive local planning with residents and the community.

On March 18, 2011, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced that 17 communities will be the first recipients of Planning Grant funding through the Department’s new Choice Neighborhoods Initiative.  These communities will share a total of $4 million in Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants while six other communities are selected as finalists to compete for approximately $61 million in Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grants. Click on the link for more details http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2011/HUDNo.11-032

Strong Cities, Strong Communities

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES STRONG CITIES, STRONG COMMUNITIES
TO SUPPORT LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

On July 11, 2011 the Obama Administration launched Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2), a new and customized pilot initiative to strengthen local capacity and spark economic growth in local communities, while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely and efficiently. To accomplish this, federal agencies will provide experienced staff to work directly with six cities: Chester, PA; Cleveland, OH; Detroit, MI; Fresno, CA; Memphis, TN; and New Orleans, LA. These teams will work with local governments, the private sector, and other institutions to leverage federal dollars and support the work being done at the local level to encourage economic growth community development.

Additionally, communities nationwide will be eligible to compete for comprehensive economic planning assistance through a grant competition designed to spark local innovation. By integrating government investments and partnering with local communities, SC2 channels the resources of the federal government to help empower cities as they develop and implement their vision for economic growth. Click the link for details. http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2011/HUDNo.11-141

 

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