HUD Empowerment Zone Application Workshops

To assist you in preparing your community's application for Empowerment Zone designation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development is sponsoring a series of regional workshops to provide you with more information about the EZ/EC Initiative and the Round II EZ application process. These workshops will provide information on the anticipated $1.5 billion in SSBG funds and the tax benefits that will be available to the 15 new urban Empowerment Zones. Your attendance at the workshop will provide you with valuable information on the Round II EZ application process.

Agenda

Workshops will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m.

Morning Plenary Sessions

• "The Application Process": How to apply for Round II Empowerment Zone designation. Will include a discussion of steps to take in preparing your application, a review of all application forms and materials and the schedule for submitting materials to HUD.
• "Strategic Planning ": How to develop your strategic plan and establish an effective governance structure. The core of the nomination, the Strategic Plan is a narrative submission detailing your community's plan for revitalization. Presenters will discuss the process of developing the plan, including: 1) crafting a community vision, 2) creating a decision making structure that ensures that your plan is inclusive and participatory, and 3) developing a holistic strategy for community revitalization.
• "Governance and Performance Measurement System ": How to design a governance and performance measurement system. Presenters will discuss how to move from planning to doing, developing realistic Implementation Plans, defining goals and outcomes and establishing a system to monitor the implementation of your strategic plan.

Afternoon Plenary Sessions

• "Promoting the Use of EZ Tax Incentives": How to understand and market EZ tax incentives to attract business to your community.
• "Information Technology & Community Empowerment": How to develop a telecommunications program for your community in support of your strategic plan.

Afternoon Break-out Sessions
Four break-out sessions will cover subjects that may be addressed in the strategic plan. Panelists from a variety of agencies will discuss:

• "Community & Economic Development": How to develop programs and projects that promote business investment, increase access to capital and credit and support job creation.

  "Education, Human and Community Services, Law Enforcement, and Technology": How to plan and coordinate education, health, human services, family and youth development, and other activities to develop a holistic approach to the needs of your community.

• "Workforce Development, Welfare to Work, and Transportation": How to use job training and job placement services to help residents get jobs and how to address issues that impact employability, such as job readiness, transportation, and child care.
• "Environment and Energy": How to identify and develop environmentally contaminated sites and how to develop innovative approaches to energy use.

Each workshop will conclude with a question and answer period and with an opportunity to visit exhibits and obtain materials concerning federal programs that may support your strategic plan.

Lunch at all workshops will be on your own. To register for the workshops and for additional information, contact:

Community Connections
(800) 998-9999
E-mail: comcon@aspensys.com

Please call the hotel directly to make your own reservations.

Workshop Locations and Dates

Other Workshop Locations TBA. Stay tuned.