Nine Localities Added to Promise Zone Initiative

The U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have announced the final nine localities that will participate in the Promise Zone Initiative, a federal endeavor to boost economic activity and the standard of living across urban, rural and tribal communities.

The new slate of Promise Zones are located in Atlanta; Nashville; Evansville, Ind.; South Los Angeles, Calif.; San Diego; the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Commission; the Spokane Tribe of Indians in Washington; the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in Rolette County, N.D.; and the Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico.

“Promise Zones bring the power of partnership to a whole new level as we seek to bring opportunity to neighborhoods long locked out of their area’s prosperity,” said HUD Secretary Julian Castro. “As a former mayor from a city that includes a Promise Zone, I know just how powerful these collaborations are when it comes to building stronger, economically vital neighborhoods.”

“Rural and Tribal areas face unique challenges and we are ready to take on those challenges with creative solutions that strengthen communities,” said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The Promise Zone initiative delivers proven results by encouraging collaboration between the federal government, community organizations, the private sector and state and local governments. Through these partnerships, we are supporting jobs and economic opportunities that enable rural areas to thrive.”