WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo, in partnership with the Joint Center for Sustainable Communities, today announced the first annual HUD Secretary's Awards for City/County Innovations.

The awards will highlight innovative city and county collaborations in areas such as governance, economic strategies, affordable housing, housing discrimination and sustainable growth.

"Cities, suburbs and counties all benefit if they work together for their mutual benefit," Cuomo said. "Cooperation will get them a lot further than competition."

"These awards will recognize the creative ways that cities and counties are coming together," Cuomo said. "They will draw attention to successful examples of regional cooperation that can serve as models for other metropolitan areas."

The Joint Center for Sustainable Communities was formed in 1996 through a partnership between the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Association of Counties. Through the Joint Center's groundbreaking work, communities are being connected to jobs, redeveloping brownfields, conserving open space, reducing air pollution and enhancing the character of neighborhoods.

The HUD Secretary's Awards for City/County Innovations will join the Joint Center's other awards in challenging policy areas such as improving public education and promoting diversity.

Applications for the Joint Center Sustainable Community Awards Program can be obtained by contacting Carol Everett at the U.S. Conference of Mayors at 202-861-6773 or Nick Keller at the National Association of Counties at 202-942-4224. Applications must be received by October 30. Winners will be announced in January.