WASHINGTON – Today, the Obama Administration announced it is expanding the Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) Initiative to include Gary, IN; Brownsville, TX; Flint, MI; Macon, GA; Rockford, IL; St. Louis, MO; and Rocky Mount, NC. President Obama established SC2 in 2011 as an innovative and flexible program designed to strengthen local capacity, coordinate federal investments, and spark growth in economically distressed communities. The SC2 Initiative was developed through engagement with mayors, Members of Congress, foundations, nonprofits and other community partners who are committed to addressing the challenges facing local governments as they work to create economic opportunity for all residents.
Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson expressed her excitement after having to keep the announcement a secret for several days.
“For our city to be designated by the White House to receive this assistance is big news. This represents an important tool in the creation of a better Gary, a city that is designed to provide the best government that tax dollars can buy,” said Freeman-Wilson. “This not only represents a partnership with the federal government, but the strengthened engagement of our local educational institutions, local medical providers, local foundations, local non-profits and corporate partners. It is our collective goal to be the hardest working SC2 team in the history of the program.”
