CUOMO CHALLENGES CITIES TO RECRUIT COMMUNITY BUILDERS

NOTE: Deadline to apply for a Community Builder position is May 1, 1998. For an application or more details, call 800-497-3823 or visit HUD's web site at http://www.hud.gov

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today issued a challenge to cities across the country to recruit skilled professionals for HUD's hi-tech "urban Peace Corps" that will bring new energy into government by employing experienced workers in temporary, hands-on positions to revitalize America's cities.

"We will start out this year with more than two hundred recruits and will expand over the years into a powerful movement for growth and empowerment," Cuomo said. "I look forward to mayors concerned about the future of urban America taking my challenge and helping me recruit local stars."

Launched last month, HUD's Community Builders Fellowship is a joint effort between HUD and Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Experienced professionals will have the opportunity to extend their skills in new directions through temporary, well-paid fellowships of two to four years. The deadline to apply is May 1.

"If you want to apply your skills in new ways and make a difference to your community, HUD Wants You," Cuomo said. "I challenge cities to help recruit the best and brightest in their region and I encourage all working professionals to seriously consider taking time from their current jobs to become part of this powerful movement. In two years you can make a difference that lasts a lifetime."

Community Builders will be selected on the basis of leadership potential, commitment to public service, career achievement and a demonstrated ability to plan, implement and complete projects. The Community Builder positions are highly competitive. HUD is looking for talented and experienced applicants from all professions - from accountants and bankers to engineers and law enforcers.

Examples of work assignments for Community Builders will include meeting with community leaders and business owners to help design innovative plans for utilizing funds from government, the private sector, and foundations; helping small business owners launch enterprises; working to spark new economic development; and finding ways to increase homeownership opportunities.

Cuomo said the landmark initiative marks a turning point in the way government approaches problem-solving.

"Our cities are facing complex challenges that call for new thinking and new energy," Cuomo said. "The Community Builders program will link the inspiration, ideas and talent of our brightest minds with the greatest needs in communities, creating a revolving door of talent that is replenished every two to four years."

Community Builders will receive four weeks of training at Harvard and then begin their work on the front lines, based out of one of HUD's 81 field offices and traveling throughout the community as the Department's first point of contact. They will be equipped with computer laptops that will serve as mobile offices and technology links.

"These smart, talented individuals will be HUD's front door," Cuomo said. "We will be training and educating a new generation of leaders from all walks of life, drawing on individuals who can share their diverse skills to build better, stronger communities."

While in service, a Community Builder is a paid federal employee who receives the same benefits as other federal employees. HUD will hire 230 Community Builders this year and another 230 Community Builders in 1999. The temporary fellows, with varied backgrounds and abilities, will complement the career permanent Community Builders, who bring a wealth of knowledge related to HUD programs.