Obama administration launches Strong Cities, Strong Communities to support development in Cleveland

 The Obama administration is launching a pilot program designed to spark economic growth in urban America by partnering federal officials with local decision-makers in six cities.

U.S Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Ron Sims announced the new program at Burke Lakefront Airport Monday in Cleveland.

The program will start in Cleveland; Detroit; Chester, Pa.; Fresno, Calif.; Memphis, Tenn.; and New Orleans. 

Each city will have a team that includes employees from several different federal agencies who will work with local officials on issues their mayors have identified as important. The issues could include such things as developing transportation infrastructure and improving job-training programs.

"Cleveland is building its future by leveraging its assets, strengthening education, working to connect residents with jobs, creating opportunities for local businesses and becoming a leader for sustainable development," said Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson. "I thank President Obama and his Administration for recognizing the value of these efforts and the need to support urban centers, like Cleveland, through this program. Strong Cities, Strong Communities will provide another strong partnership for Cleveland and another tool for us to be successful."

Through this pilot, the Obama Administration will focus on three key goals:

• Improving the way federal government does business: Cutting through red tape and rationalizing the federal bureaucracy to help deal with the overlapping maze of agencies, regulations and program requirements that are sometimes confusing to local governments;
• Providing assistance and support - working with local communities to find ground up, not top down, solutions: Providing on the ground technical assistance and planning resources tailored to local governments' needs and helping them use the federal funds they already receive more efficiently and effectively, and;
• Partnering for growth: Developing critical partnerships with key local and regional stakeholders that encompass not only municipal and state governments but also new partnerships with the business community, non-profits, anchor institutions, faith-based institutions, and other public, private and philanthropic leaders.