Camden Promise Zone
Working to provide opportunities in education, economic development, housing, wellness, and reducing crime

HUD Region II Deputy Regional Administrator Mirza Orriols at podium

HUD Region II Deputy Regional Administrator Mirza Orriols, HUD New Jersey Field Office Director Maria Maio-Messano, Senior Management Analysts Angela Aloia and Alan Gelfand, multiple federal agencies, and stakeholders came together to discuss coordinated interagency support for Camden's Promise Zone, the federal designation that addresses the City's priorities. Camden Mayor Dana Redd led the convening that took place at the EDA Technology Center.

Through Promise Zone, the City of Camden is striving to meet five goals: Increased Economic Activity, Improved Educational Opportunities, Reduced Violent Crime, Improved Health & Wellness, and Increased Affordable Housing. This convening continues the important work of moving forward to achieve these goals and improve the quality of life of Camden residents.

Promise Zone federal partners represented at the convening included the U.S. Department of Labor, Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Education, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's Office, and the Corporation for National & Community Service. State of New Jersey partners present included the Department of Environmental Protection and the Economic Development Authority.

"Today we strengthen our commitment to the City of Camden as a Promise zone and I am pleased to see so many federal, state, and city partners ready to take the challenge of moving Camden forward," said HUD Region II Deputy Regional Administrator Mirza Orriols. "HUD is here to support the City of Camden in achieving its goals of improving the quality of life and the future of Camden residents."

Local partners in today's convening included: Cooper's Ferry Partnership, the Camden Board of Education, Center for Family Services, Camden Metro Police, Campbell's Soup Company, YMCA, the Camden Housing Authority, and the Camden Redevelopment Authority. "I look forward to our continued relationship with the City of Camden, as well as working with the federal liaison and volunteers provided by the Promise Zone designation to assist in advancing its goals in education, health, economic development, housing, and crime prevention," said Maria Maio-Messano, HUD NJ Field Office Director. "HUD will provide continued support and the technical assistance necessary to achieve the outcomes so many are striving for."

Camden Promise Zone participants

Camden Promise Zone participants

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