HUD SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR BEST PRACTICES AWARDS

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today urged state and local governments, public housing authorities, non-profit groups and others who deal with HUD to submit their nominations for HUD Best Practices Awards by May 28.

The top 100 HUD grant recipients recognized for best practices will receive the Best Practices Awards at HUD's 1999 Best Practices and Technical Assistance Symposium. Thousands of people are expected to attend the symposium - called Building a Better Tomorrow - in Kansas City, MO, July 20-24.

"Many local governments and groups are successfully using HUD assistance for innovative programs to revitalize communities and bring new opportunities to American families," Cuomo said. "They are building affordable housing, sparking economic development, creating jobs, expanding homeownership, and helping homeless people become self-sufficient. By recognizing these success stories, which we call best practices, we will help communities across the nation learn from each other."

A HUD best practice is defined as a program or project, management tool, or technique that fulfills at least two of the following characteristics: 1) Generates a significant positive impact on those it is intended to serve or manage. 2) Can be replicated in other areas of the country, region, or local jurisdiction. 3) Demonstrates the effective use of partnerships among government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private businesses. 4) Displays creativity in addressing a problem, and demonstrates effective leveraging of resources.

Nominations are being accepted in the following categories: Fighting for Fair Housing, Increasing Affordable Housing and Homeownership, Reducing Homelessness, Promoting Jobs and Economic Opportunity, Empowering People and Communities, and Restoring Public Trust.

Nominees can be submitted over the Internet at www.hud.gov/bestpractices.html

The form can be submitted from a browser or downloaded and faxed to (202) 708-5038. For more information about making a nomination for a Best Practice Award, call (202) 708-1992. For more information about HUD's 1999 Best Practices and Technical Assistance Symposium, call (877) 747-3861.