City of Atlanta is Named a Finalist for $30 Million HUD Choice Neighborhood Grant

ATLANTA – July 23, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The City of Atlanta announced today that it has been selected as one of the nine finalists out of 33 applicants for the 2014-2015 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant. As part of the grant, the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Housing Authority will work with private and public sector partners to revitalize portions of west Atlanta, including Vine City, Ashview Heights and the Atlanta University Center neighborhood.

If selected, Atlanta will receive up to $30 million for revitalization efforts and to address local challenges identified during the planning process.

“I am pleased that we have been selected as a finalist for the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant and the City of Atlanta is committed to working with the Atlanta Housing Authority to implement our plan to transform an underserved community into a vibrant one,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “The City of Atlanta has established itself as a national leader in restoring neighborhoods which face challenges and is uniquely positioned to receive this grant.”

The City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Housing Authority have completed a comprehensive planning process which includes receiving input from community partners and creating a new community development model to redevelop a targeted community.

“AHA is diligently working to secure a spot as a finalist for the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant,” said Joy W. Fitzgerald, interim president and CEO. “We are preparing for the next step which is a site visit by HUD, and our goal is to show HUD the extent to which communities and people’s lives will be changed by this investment. With our partners and the community, we have put a comprehensive plan in place, and I believe Atlanta has an excellent chance of being chosen to receive the funds.”

In 2010, the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Housing Authority received a Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant and developed a strategic neighborhood transformation plan.

HUD anticipates making final award announcements in September.

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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit http://www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta. Follow Mayor Reed on Facebook and Twitter @Kasim Reed

Contact:

Jewanna Gaither, Press Information Officer
404-330-6942, office
404-357-5829, cell

Anne Torres, Director
404-330-6423, office
404-904-2618, cell