Convening of Federal Partners

HUD Regional Administrator Jim Reed stressed HUD's commitment to the North Hartford Promise Zone.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin explains the goals for the North Hartford Promise Zone and the City as a whole.

Hartford Chief of Staff Thea Montanez provides an overview of the North Hartford Promise Zone application.

On September 16, 2016, the HUD Hartford Field Office and the city of Hartford held a convening of the federal partners for the North Hartford Promise Zone (https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/promise-zones/promise-zones-overview/) at the Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth and Family Center, one of the key partners located within the Promise Zone. Representatives from 10 federal agencies as well as staff from Senator Chris Murphy's, Senator Richard Blumenthal's and Congressman John Larson's offices were in attendance. Mayor Luke Bronin identified the goals of the North Hartford Promise Zone and the city of Hartford and how federal agencies can support the City in achieving its goals.

HUD Regional Administrator Jim Reed offered opening remarks relative to HUD's commitment to the Promise Zone. Mayor Bronin provided a backdrop of the City's fiscal situation prior to Chief of Staff Thea Montanez providing an overview of the North Hartford Promise Zone and its application for the designation. The City's departmental leaders provided updates on current initiatives and needs as they related to the six goals for the North Hartford Promise Zone.

Director of Development Services Sean M. Fitzpatrick spoke regarding the goals for job creation and economic activity, Chief of Police James Rovella spoke on efforts to reduce serious and violent crime, Chief Operating Office for Hartford Public Schools Dr. Jose Colon-Rivas addressed ways to expand educational opportunities, Deputy Director of Development Services Kiley Gosselin discussed methods to Increase access to quality, affordable housing and Director of Health and Human Services Dr. Gary Rhule highlighted ways to improve health and wellness.

The federal agencies were asked to consider what programs, funding and/or technical assistance they may have that align with the City's goals, or to discuss with colleagues that may be able to work in areas that do. The City and federal agencies are discussing a potential tour of the North Hartford Promise Zone, the only designated Promise Zone in New England, for the Spring of 2017.

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