Over 275 cities are eligible to receive technical assistance
WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 31, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the release of a Request for Applications (RFA) for cities seeking economic revitalization assistance through the National Resource Network (The Network). Designed for economic revitalization, the Network is a first of its kind effort to bring together national experts under one organization to work with cities seeking to increase their economic competitiveness and to reverse population decline, job loss and high rates of poverty.
“Knowledge is fuel for progress and innovation,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. “The National Resource Network will be a valuable tool in helping local governments address their challenges and achieve their goals. It will provide on-the-ground technical assistance and human resources that cities can use to build for the future. Working together as partners, I know we’ll expand opportunities for more Americans.”
The Network is led by a consortium selected by the federal government because of its members’ expertise and experience as national leaders in assisting cities in efforts to overcome challenges related to economic development, community development and fiscal and operational issues. The Network also includes more than a dozen strategic partners with experience and expertise in criminal justice, education, workforce development and other policy areas.
“By bringing together the best thinking about cities from experts that work with cities every day, the National Resource Network will support Mayors, City Managers and city leaders doing the hard work to overcome economic challenges and increase economic competitiveness,” said David Eichenthal, Executive Director of the National Resource Network.
City governments can submit an application to receive assistance from the Network by completing an on-line form at http://nationalresourcenetwork.org/en/solutions/rfa. Eligibility for the Network is based on economic and demographic criteria. Approximately 275 cities are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Among many factors, the Network will heavily consider whether a city’s request has high-level executive sponsorship in the city government and whether the city government has enlisted other community stakeholders in its planning effort. Applications that would benefit regions or multiple cities are strongly encouraged.
The Network is expected to provide on-the-ground assistance to dozens of eligible cities by 2016. Eight pilot cities are currently participating in the Network: Compton and Lynwood, CA; Kansas City, KS; Jackson and Meridian, MS; Miami, FL; Anderson, IN; and Fall River, MA.
The National Resource Network is a component of the Strong Cities, Strong Communities Initiative, and was funded by $10 million from HUD. The Network was created out of demand from cities around the country to have access to experts, technical advice, and information that can help them address the mounting challenges of growing inequality, high unemployment, under-performing schools, aging infrastructure and vacant and blighted properties.
The Network consortium consists of the following private and public sector organizations:
- Enterprise Community Partners
- Public Financial Management (PFM)
- HR&A Advisors
- New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
- International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
In addition, The Urban Institute is a key partner and evaluator of the Network’s performance and impacts. Other Strategic Partners are: Abt Associates, Center for Community Progress, Civic Consulting USA, Coalition of Urban Serving Universities, Corporation for Supportive Housing, Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS), Jobs for the Future, National Association of Development Organizations, NeighborWorks America, Trust for Public Land, University of Chicago, and University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy. Philanthropic support has been provided by the Annenberg Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Surdna Foundation.
For more information about the National Resource Network, please visit www.nationalresourcenetwork.org.
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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
http://espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDGov, on facebook at
www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD’s Email List.
George Gonzalez
(202) 402-6054
