Plan to improve outcomes in Northeast neighborhoods
Amber Waldref, City Council Member (District 1), (509) 625-6719, awaldref@spokanecity.org
Monday, February 22, 2016 at 1 p.m.
The City Council will consider a resolution that could lead to a “Promise Zone” in Spokane. The Council will consider the resolution at its 6 p.m. meeting on Monday, Feb. 22 in support of an application to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) to designate an area of Northeast Spokane a “Promise Zone.” Partners in this initiative will be available to speak to media at 5:30 p.m. in the Chase Gallery outside Council Chambers.
“The City of Spokane, Spokane Public Schools and over 30 community organizations have worked for over a year to develop a 10-year plan to support safe and thriving neighborhoods where all individuals can reach their potential,” said Councilwoman Amber Waldref, who represents Northeast District 1.
Councilman Mike Fagan, who also represents Northeast District 1, added, “This application to HUD can help support these collaborative efforts to improve housing access, educational outcomes and jobs.”
A Promise Zone is a U.S. Housing and Urban Development initiative to partner with and invest in communities to create jobs, leverage private investment, increase economic activity, expand educational opportunities, and reduce violent crime in high-poverty communities.
The area identified as “TheZone” in the City of Spokane is bordered by Division Street on the west, on the north by Francis Avenue, on the east by the City limits, and the south by I-90, which generally follows the feeder pattern of Rogers High School.
“Spokane Public Schools appreciates the support of the leadership shown by Spokane City Council and the Mayor’s office in the submission of the Promise Zone proposal,” said Spokane Public Schools Superintendent Shelly Redinger. “The additional resources that the city has invested into this process along with Spokane Public Schools demonstrates a long term commitment of shared goals in the northeast Spokane community.”
“I strongly support the application submitted by the City of Spokane for a Promise Zone designation that would accelerate intensive community planning to improve the quality of life of underserved residents,” said Senator Cantwell in a letter of support to Secretary of HUD Julian Castro. “Spokane is creating a national model worthy of replication.”
