HUD 9916 Annual Report Narrative

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 10 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. This information is not considered sensitive. Provision of this information is voluntary. This agency may not collect this information, and you are not required to complete this form, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The purpose of this information collection is to track the progress made by the Promise Zone towards completing the 10-year plan and to facilitate communication between local and federal partners.

HUD FORM 9916

OMB Approval Number 2501- 0035

(Exp. XX/XX/XXXX)

Promise Zone: Annual Narrative Report for FY20XX

Section I: Year in Review

Your Promise Zone Year in Review will be a public document that highlights the Promise Zone’s accomplishments over the last year and plans and priorities for the next year. This document should be completed by the Promise Zone lead organization. HUD will post Section I on the HUD Promise Zone’s website to publicize each Promise Zone’s accomplishments, priorities, challenges, plans, and needs. Key stakeholders – including federal partners, national and regional philanthropic organizations, research institutions, and community and economic development practitioners – can then use this information to identify ways in which they can support the Promise Zone’s work. This Year In Review can also serve as a roadmap for other urban communities who are interested in learning about best practices as they embark on community revitalization efforts in their respective communities.

Promise Zone lead organizations should use this optional reporting template provided to prepare the Promise Zone Year in Review. Other formats containing the same information will be accepted. Promise Zone lead organizations will have the opportunity to approve the final Promise Zone Year in Review before it is published online. Examples of recommended submissions for Year In Reviews and Spotlights are included in the Appendix.

Promise Zone Information

Promise Zone Name: [Promise Zone Name]

Promise Zone Lead Organization: [Promise Zone Lead Organization

Promise Zone Data and Evaluation Partner(s):

Community Overview:
Instructions: Provide key demographic information about your Promise Zone along with major accomplishments and challenges. See example below of Sacramento Promise Zone.

Example:
The Sacramento Promise Zone encompasses some of the economically hardest-hit neighborhoods in the city – from Del Paso Heights in the North Area, Oak Park and The Avenues in the South County. It also includes portions of Downtown and Midtown and encompasses five City Council Districts. The Promise Zone is home to 127,893 residents, of whom 34.93% live in poverty. In the Promise Zone, 63% of children are reading below grade level and the unemployment rate is 19%. The life expectancy of the residents of the Promise Zone is 72 years versus 79 outside the zone.  

The entire City Council along with over 50 committed and capable partners are perfectly aligned in our efforts to significantly improve the lives of residents in the Promise Zone neighborhoods. We have a demonstrated history of commitments to neighborhoods in the zone based on past federal funding of projects and activities. Our city leaders are committed to aligning and directing local, federal, state, corporate and philanthropic funds into the Promise Zone neighborhoods.

Year in Review Summary:

Instructions: In one to two paragraphs, describe the overall progress your Promise Zone has made over the last year. Highlight in particular any major accomplishments that do not fit under the goals listed below. If Promise Zone partners have achieved any major outcomes (such as reducing violent crime or poverty rates, or helping a certain number of people secure jobs), please include those as well. Also describe any major priorities the Promise Zone has for the next year that do not fit into one of the goals listed below. Please include up to three JPEG images with your Year In Review. Photographs of individuals should include a release form in order for HUD to be able to post the image on our website. This is optional.

[One to two paragraph summary of the past year’s progress and accomplishments]

Overview of Promise Zone Goals and Progress Made:

Instructions: For each of your Promise Zone’s goals, provide the following information focusing on the broader work taking place in the Promise Zone.

Promise Zone Goal: State the Promise Zone goal as listed in the approved Promise Zone plan.

Key Goal Partners: Please list any partners, that are working on or financially or programmatically supporting major initiatives related to this goal.

Key Milestones and Accomplishments: Describe your key milestones and accomplishments related to this goal over the last year.

Top Priorities for the Next Year: Describe your top strategies and priorities related to this goal for the next year.

• Promise Zone Goal 1: [Promise Zone Goal]

  • Key Goal Partners: [Partner 1; Partner 2; Partner 3; etc.…]

  • Key Milestones and Accomplishments

    • [Milestone/accomplishment 1]

    • [Milestone/accomplishment 2]

    • [Etc.]

  • Top Priorities for the Next Year

    • [Top strategy/priority 1]

    • [Top strategy/priority 2]

    • [Etc.]

• Promise Zone Goal 2: [Promise Zone Goal]

  • Key Goal Partners: [Partner 1; Partner 2; Partner 3; etc.…]

  • Key Milestones and Accomplishments

    • [Milestone/accomplishment 1]

    • [Milestone/accomplishment 2]

    • [Etc.]

  • Top Priorities for the Next Year

    • [Top strategy/priority 1]

    • [Top strategy/priority 2]

    • [Etc.]

Section II – Promise Zone Plan Update

Instructions: The Promise Zone should make edits to its Promise Zone Plan (Appendix A of the Designation Agreement), as necessary and submit the updates via this report. Items listed as amendable items are noted in Section IX of the Designation Agreement, and must go through the formal approval process laid out in the agreement.

Section III: Promise Zone Operations Update

Instructions: Please respond to the questions below to provide an update on Promise Zone operations and governance structure. The lead organization should describe any major changes that have been made to the Promise Zone partnership, participating organizations, or governance structure. This information will assist HUD staff in supporting the Promise Zone and inform any future evaluations.

1. Please describe any significant changes to the Promise Zone partnership and how those changes will affect the implementation of the Promise Zone Plan¹. Significant changes to the Promise Zone partnership would include, but are not limited to the following: the departure of a major partner, new roles for a current partner or the addition of a new major partner that has committed to fulfill specific responsibilities under the Promise Zone Plan.

[Description of changes to the partnership and their effect on Promise Zone operations]

2. Has the Lead Organization’s staff or organizational structure changed? If so, how will this change affect the organization’s work on the Promise Zone?

[Description of changes to staff or structure and their effect on PZ operations]

3. Has your MOU been updated in the past year? If so, please include an updated version. If it needs to be updated, what is the timeline to update the MOU?

[Description of updates to the MOU]

4. Between now and the end of next year, what changes, if any, are anticipated in the Promise Zone’s Lead Organization, the Unit(s) of General Local Government (UGLG), and key implementing and supporting partners? For example: is the Lead Organization’s Executive Director expected to leave or retire over the next year, or will there be a mayoral election? How are these changes projected to affect the Promise Zone’s operations?

[Description of anticipated changes in the lead or partner organizations and their effects]

5. In the past year, how has your Promise Zone developed access to indicators to measure your progress? Are there any other changes to your data work? How will data development work focus in the coming year, and how can HUD support these local efforts?

[Description of progress indicators and data work in the past and coming years]

Statement of Continuing Support

Instructions: As new persons serve as the chief of the Unit of General Local Government(s), a new statement of continuing support should be submitted with the annual report. Here a suggested optional template.

In accordance with the [City’s Name]’s Letter of Support for the [Promise Zone Name] Promise Zone, dated [Date], I pledge that the City will continue to provide resources as previously described to support the Promise Zone’s operations.

_____________________________

[FirstName LastName], [Title]

Appendix A: Example Year in Review

Sacramento Promise Zone

2015 In Review

The positive impact that the Promise Zone has had on the City of Sacramento is a sight to behold. As I reflect on the activities and accomplishments of the first year, I see the transformational effects of this coveted designation reverberating across our city.

Since I took office in 2008 my vision has been to make Sacramento “a city that works for everyone.” My top priorities include improving public safety, creating jobs and economic development, launching green and sustainability initiatives, reforming public education and enhancing the quality of life for all Sacramentans. Last year I added a goal to create 10,000 units of housing Downtown over the next 10 years. Our housing plan includes the development and perseveration of 6,000 market rate units, 2,500 affordable units and 1,500 units for rapid rehousing the homeless. All of these priorities are perfectly aligned with the goals of the Sacramento Promise Zone.

Over the past year, over $34 million in federal investments has been awarded to create jobs, provide job training and placement, increase access to healthy foods, and improve educational opportunities primarily in the Promise zone. We recognize that the Promise Zone designation has ripple effects that positively impact the entire city and as the Capitol city of California, our goal is to be a model city for the region and state.

Community

The Sacramento Promise Zone encompasses some of the economically hardest-hit neighborhoods in the city – from Del Paso Heights in the North Area, Oak Park and The Avenues in the South County. It also includes portions of Downtown and Midtown and encompasses five City Council Districts. The Promise Zone is home to 127,893 residents, of whom 34.93% live in poverty. In the Promise Zone, 63% of children are reading below grade level and the unemployment rate is 19%. The life expectancy of the residents of the Promise Zone is 72 years versus 79 outside the zone.  

The entire City Council along with over 50 committed and capable partners are perfectly aligned in our efforts to significantly improve the lives of residents in the Promise Zone neighborhoods. We have a demonstrated history of commitments to neighborhoods in the zone based on past federal funding of projects and activities. Our city leaders are committed to aligning and directing local, federal, state, corporate and philanthropic funds into the Promise Zone neighborhoods.

Partnerships

Sacramento is a diverse city that has a long and successful track record of organizations working together and using its diversity as an asset. During the first year, our list of Promise Zone partners has expanded from 30 to over 50 participating agencies and organizations. These capable and committed partners are working collaboratively to coordinate and attract financial resources, build capacity and create public-private partnerships to promote healthy behaviors, accelerate job creation, increase educational opportunities, promote a sustainable economic base, and facilitate neighborhood revitalization.

Goals

Our Promise Zone goals are clear, transformational and achievable.

• Create jobs and accelerate job training and placement

• Increase economic activity within the downtown and neighborhood business districts

• Improve educational opportunities from cradle to career

• Improve health and wellness by promoting healthy behaviors and increasing health interventions

• Facilitate sustainable neighborhood revitalization activities that support safe and thriving communities

Job Training and Placement

Over the past year we have achieved some significant milestones and accomplishments that support our Promise Zone goals. The Housing Authority of the City of Sacramento received a $2.7 million Jobs Plus grant that supports our goal of accelerating job training and placement. Over 700 residents will receive assistance to connect them to training that leads to jobs and careers that provide economic self-sufficiency. Additionally, the Sacramento Conservation Corps is expanding job training opportunities through their YouthBuild program that serves young adults. This was made possible through a $1 million grant.

Economic Activity

We have also strengthened relationships with the SBA and the Department of Economic Development to provide technical assistance to local business and access both technical and financial resources to support the 7 business districts within the Promise Zone. We are currently developing an Economic Development Plan that will assist with the creation of several Promise Zone Innovation Districts. The city is committed to creating, attracting and retaining small businesses. An $8 million Innovation Fund has been established with city funds to attract, support and leverage resources that support business creation. We celebrated the opening of the first grocery store in the Del Paso Heights community in over 30 years. The store serves over 8,000 residents and provided 40 jobs to local residents.

Health and Wellness

We have made significant strides to improve the health and wellness of residents. Kaiser Permanente announced that they will be building a new hospital in the Promise Zone. The hospital will provide 3,000 jobs thereby expanding employment opportunities for residents in the zone. Work is also currently underway at new community health clinic serving the Alder Grove and Marina Vista residents. Vision Protective Services and Pacific Dental Services are providing free vision and dental services to 500 students within the zone. With funding from the USDA we expanded access to fresh fruit and vegetables using EBT cards at Farmer’s Markets in the zone. This funding has made it possible for more than 500 community residents to supplement their diets with fresh produce.

Our Faith-Based community has joined us in our efforts to support education, jobs and training, financial literacy and mentoring opportunities that support the My Brother’s Keeper Initiative. Over 40 congregations have formed the Fathering Coalition. The congregations are collaborating to identify and train mentors to connect with students in schools throughout the Promise Zone.

Neighborhood Revitalization

Our activities to facilitate sustainable neighborhood revitalization activities that support safe and thriving communities have also been successful. The Housing Authority of the City of Sacramento received a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant for the redevelopment of the Twin Rivers Public Housing Community and the surrounding River District. This transit oriented redevelopment project will provide over 500 mixed-income units and community amenities. I have established the Sacramento Community Police Commission and the Gang Prevention Intervention Task Force. We also established the Officer Next Door program which seeks to strengthen partnerships, foster trust and increase engagement between Sacramento police officers and the residents they serve.

In Sacramento, AmeriCorps VISTA members are working with the Sacramento Housing Redevelopment Agency and key partners to drive the implementation of key strategies, facilitate communication, coordinate the working groups and communities, and support community engagement activities. They are also assisting with outreach and communications to community partners and residents. The Promise Zone Resident Council was established and is supported by the Vistas. The Council members provide information and updates to members of the community about the activities of the Promise Zone committees. The Resident Council members also serve as information officers to their communities about resources that become available through the activities of the Promise Zone. This includes attending community meetings and providing updates and providing feedback to the Implementation Council.

Through our organizational capacity building activities, HUD’s Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the USDA conducted two free grant writing workshops to capacity audiences. Both of these activities support our goal of expanding the capacity of community organizations to apply for grants to support the work of the Promise Zone.

Educational Opportunities

As we enter our second year our focus will be to establish working committees that will develop specific strategies to address our five Promise Zone goals. Our activities will align with our education and job creation initiatives by creating partnerships to include Promise Zone schools in STEAM programs and workshops. This will include working to increase teacher training for STEAM curriculum for all grade levels. Additional activities will address employment disparities by expanding GED and high school completion opportunities for students within the Promise Zone and increasing occupational skills training and career pathways programs. Our health committee will identify community health interventions strategies to promote healthy behaviors that lead to longer life spans for residents in the Promise Zone.

The tide of momentum is rising across this city. There is contagious enthusiasm that is permeating residents of California’s capital city. Sacramento is a city where failure is not an option. We recognize that our Promise Zone goals are ambitious and we have an unwavering commitment to achieve them.

-Mayor Kevin Johnson

Appendix A: Example Spotlight

Minneapolis Promise Zone

Changing the Food Landscape in North Minneapolis

The North Minneapolis Promise Zone, in close partnership with local nonprofit organizations, is working to change the food landscape in neighborhoods, creating community-led solutions to food insecurity and building long-term capacity for community-led food and agriculture systems development. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded Appetite for Change—a community-led organization—a $374,000 Community Food Program grant to help continue and expand programs that are changing the way food is produced, marketed, distributed and consumed in North Minneapolis. These activities are taking place in a five block stretch of West Broadway Avenue, dubbed the “Northside Fresh Food Node,” which has historically lacked access to healthy and nutritious foods.

“Appetite for Change has had a big impact on my life in many ways, starting with the way I eat,” said LaTaijah Powell, Appetite for Change Youth Leader. “Everyone in school knew me as the girl with all the snacks. When I became fully engaged with Appetite for Change, I started to learn the value of healthy eating, especially for my body and health.”

The USDA Community Food Program grant will also increase the Promise Zone’s healthy and community-based food choices through additional activities:

• Development and incubation of local food businesses, including providing local technical
  assistance to growers, processors, suppliers, and retailers as they build capacity to start food-based businesses

• Organization of food ambassadors: residents in the community who promote food-based
  businesses and services along the West Broadway avenue corridor

• Availability of workshops and training on community garden start-ups, sustainability, and leadership

• Promotion of federally assisted nutrition programs to increase awareness

Impact in 2015

• 7,244 pounds of produce generated

• 2,135 meals provided

• 1,236 community members served

• 102 community cooking workshops

• 53 community-owned food business start-ups

• 14 urban farmers, supported on 16 sites, sold to 11 vendors in North Minneapolis

• 24 youth employed and trained

• 15 jobs created

1 As laid out in Appendix A of the Designation Agreement, and updated over time through the amendment process and Section II of this Promise Zone: Annual Narrative Report.