HUD is in the process of developing its FY 2003-2008 Strategic Plan. The draft Strategic Plan is now available for public comment. This Strategic Plan will define the Department's long-term mission and priorities and identify the measures the Department will use to track progress toward meeting its objectives.

As part of the strategic planning process, the Department has consulted with stakeholders, partners and members of Congress on HUD's long-term mission and priorities. As we seek to improve the Department's Strategic Plan, it is important that we continue to hear from those the Department serves, those we work with, and others who care about HUD's mission.

During this open comment period, HUD employees also are strongly encouraged to read and comment on the FY 2003-2008 draft Strategic Plan: comments from all parties must be received no later than 5pm on Friday, December 13th.

HUD employees are some of the most compassionate and generous in the federal government, and many look forward to the annual opening ceremony of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). If you're a Washington DC area HUD employee, then today's the day to join your friends and coworkers - at 10 AM in the HUD Cafeteria - for HUD's 2002 CFC Official Kickoff.

Hundreds of charitable groups - and the worthy causes they serve - need HUD employees' support to carry out their compassionate missions. That's why today's kickoff of the 2002 CFC will be a special treat for all who can attend: enjoy the precision drill of the U.S. Armed Forces National Color Guard; hear a special message from Deputy Secretary Alphonso Jackson; a video presentation from U.S. Surgeon General Doctor Richard Carmona; personal testimony from a HUD employee; and visit with two score of the charities that need our help this year!

Earlier this year, President Bush announced the creation of the USA Freedom Corps in an effort to promote public service and volunteerism. In that spirit, today's event will highlight the special public servants who serve as Team Leaders and Key workers who make successful Combined Federal Campaigns possible in HUD and other federal offices all across America.

This year, the goal for the HUD Headquarters campaign is extremely challenging - $450,000 - but through payroll deduction (the way most HUD employees choose to make their contributions) everyone can be more generous by spreading a significant gift over the course of the year. And, the CFC empowers HUD staff to make a contribution to the good of society - while using their own values to direct their gifts to the charities of their choice.

This is a once-a-year campaign to help solve serious problems, and across the nation every HUD employee has an opportunity to be part of the solution. But in the Washington DC area, today's the ONLY day to take part in the special 2002 CFC Campaign Kickoff ceremony. Join in today at 10 AM, and remember, through the CFC, Caring is Sharing.