Affordable Housing Finance
(1/16/2014 1:41 PM, Affordable Housing Finance Staff)

The federal Strong Cities, Strong Communities Initiative (SC2) has been expanded to seven additional communities—Brownsville, Texas; Flint, Mich.; Gary, Ind.; Macon, Ga.; Rockford, Ill.; Rocky Mount, N.C.; and St. Louis.

President Obama established SC2 in 2011 to strengthen local capacity, coordinate federal investments, and spark growth in economically distressed communities.

Federal inter-agency teams will be deployed to work alongside city leadership, community organizations, local businesses and philanthropic foundations to support the cities’ visions for economic growth and development. The primary goal is to help these cities more effectively invest existing resources, provide advice and expertise in support of local priorities, better align federal programs and investments, and facilitate new partnerships and peer learning opportunities wherever possible. In addition, AmeriCorps VISTA members will aid this effort as on-the-ground liaisons with local leaders and citizens to help implement the solutions that meet these communities’ needs.

“During these tough fiscal times, it is vitally important that the Administration provides support to those cities in need,” said Shaun Donovan, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. “The support provided by the Strong Cities, Strong Communities Initiative is helping local leaders maximize every dollar to spur economic growth, create jobs, and build stronger and safer communities.”