HUD Holds Upstate Strengthening Cities and Communities Summit in Utica

Deputy Secretary Coloretti, Regional Administrator Holly Leicht and Field Office Director Jaime Forero meet with local leaders in Utica to discuss community development and revitalization.

Strengthening our nation's cities and communities is key element HUD's vision that Secretary Castro articulated after his appointment by President Obama in July, 2014. That vision was on full display in Utica, New York in May, where the Albany Field Office collaborated with stakeholders from across the region to host a conference dedicated to community development and economic revitalization. Featuring plenary sessions with Deputy Secretary Nani Coloretti, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Regional Administrator Holly Leicht, Philadelphia Home Ownership Center Director Julie Shaffer and Upstate New York Community Planning and Development Director Bill O'Connell, the event brought together 380 community and government partners from across the Mohawk Valley, Capital District, and North Country regions.

Albany Field Office Director Jaime Forero said "The conference builds on the success of HUD's Community Needs Assessment in Utica and several place-based funding efforts throughout upstate New York." Mayors from across the region attended, including Amsterdam Mayor Ann Thane, Binghamton Mayor Richard David, Watertown Mayor Jeffrey E. Graham, Rome Mayor Joseph R Fusco Jr., Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy and Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri. The collaboration between cities facilitated by HUD has been significant for the region, helping to more strategically coordinate efforts between federal, state, and local partners.

Deputy Secretary Coloretti highlighted one such collaboration in her keynote remarks delivered at the historic Stanley Theater in downtown Utica. Recognizing some of the groundbreaking work to end veterans homelessness in cities like Binghamton, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, and Amsterdam, she tied efforts to end homelessness to HUD's broader goal of expanding opportunity. By increasing access to homeownership and affordable rental housing, and by making smart public investments in sustainable, resilient communities, HUD can catalyze economic development and prosperity throughout the region. Her speech ended with a call to action: she asked for "a mutual commitment to roll up our collective sleeves, dig into the messy details, and help each other along the way. Together, through stronger partnerships, we can build stronger neighborhoods and stronger communities."

Learn more about HUD's efforts to strengthen cities and communities at hud.gov/vision and sustainablecommunities.gov (www.sustainablecommunities.gov/).

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