Last year we embarked on an effort to make the Empowerment Zone leaner and more efficient through smarter administration, stronger private sector participation, and stronger community participation. We sought out and now are receiving technical assistance from HUD to refocus the program for the future. Our efforts have been slowed by processes borne of a historic lack of partnership experience between Zone neighborhoods, business and government. A fundamental shift in the current way business is conducted is needed, including clarifying the roles of the Executive Board, Community Empowerment Advisory Board, and staff. We must create the process and physical framework to attract private capital from both individuals and investors.
Resources are available but our partnership has to work better.
Linkages are important as is a collaborative approach. Over the past three years, we have not always agreed on each point. However, for the good of Zone residents, the entire city and metro-area, I believe we cannot afford to let this effort fail. This is an ambitious and complex undertaking. We will and can agree to disagree.