HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Jennings addresses the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Board members

HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Jennings speaking with APTA board member

HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr. recently participated in the American Public Transportation Association Conference in Atlanta and addressed the benefits and achievements of HUD's Choice Neighborhood and Sustainability programs. Jennings provided remarks and participated as a member of the panel addressing the APTA board members concerning "Capitalizing on available funding opportunities by working with other agencies". Jennings participated in the panel discussion with federal partner Dr. Yvette G. Taylor, Region IV Regional Administrator, U.S. Department of Transportation and Mr. Nathaniel P. Ford, Managing Principal, Ford Transportation Group LLC.

"HUD's Choice Neighborhoods and Sustainability programs and grants provide an innovative and collaborative approach of working with our federal partners and with local and community leaders to make a difference in the quality of life of those we collectively serve" said Jennings.

Choice Neighborhoods grants transform distressed neighborhoods and public and assisted projects into viable and sustainable mixed-income neighborhoods by linking housing improvements with appropriate services, schools, public assets, transportation, and access to jobs. A strong emphasis is placed on local community planning for access to high-quality educational opportunities, including early childhood education. Choice Neighborhoods grants build upon the successes of public housing transformation under HOPE VI to provide support for the preservation and rehabilitation of public and HUD-assisted housing, within the context of a broader approach to concentrated poverty. In addition to public housing authorities, the initiative will involve local governments, non-profits, and for-profit developers in undertaking comprehensive local planning with residents and the community.

The Sustainability Grants have been critical to the nation's economic recovery and over the last two years, HUD has awarded 152 grants, totaling $240 million that have in turn secured almost $253 million in private investment and commitments from local partners. Earlier this year  HUD unveiled the Sustainable Communities Resource Center which provides information to communities providing an equal playing field for those who want to apply for the grants in 2013, and allowing them to compare their vision to that of other similar cities or regions.  The Sustainability Resource Center webpage is a one-stop resource that highlights projects and best-practices from sustainability projects around the nation. Categories in the Resource Center include: economic competiveness, housing and transportation choices, regional planning, green building and rural and tribal sustainability.