The National Community Development Association initiated National Community Development Week in 1986. This annual campaign is designed to give local as well as national attention on the numerous outstanding accomplishments over the past 39 years of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and more than 20 years of the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program. This year marks the 27^th anniversary of the promotion of National Community Development Week.

National Community Development Week 2013 is being held March 31-April 6, 2013. The State of Nebraska and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development is celebrating this national event by designating communities with high achievement in community and economic development as Showcase Communities.

Up to three communities may be selected as Showcase Communities. Communities previously designated as a Showcase Community may submit a nomination for recognition five years after receiving the designation.

Nominations are now being accepted for Showcase Community awards. Showcase Communities are those which demonstrate exceptional capacity in the last five years to:

(1) Identify community development goals and strategies

(2) Combine local, state, and federal resources to achieve those goals, and

(3) Accomplish major projects with positive impacts on the community

Award winners will be announced at a special event with the Governor on April 2, 2013 at the State Capitol during CD Week!

The Nebraska Community Development Week is sponsored by the Nebraska Rural Development Commission, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of Omaha, the City of Lincoln and other community development organizations.

2012 Showcase Community Award

2012 Winners

Governors Showcase Community: Imperial

2012 Honorable Mention: Hartington

Click here for more information and photos

Nebraska communities can celebrate CD week by hosting local proclamation signings and ceremonies recognizing volunteers and development professionals. Click here for more ideas on local participation activities.

Community Development Recognition

The Governor’s Showcase Communities are designated through a competitive nomination process. The Showcase Community designation may be given to as many as three communities. Although the designation is continuous, Showcase Communities are eligible after a five year period to apply again for recognition. The Governor’s Showcase Communities include:

These communities have demonstrated exceptional capacity to combine resources to address needs and implement community goals. Governor’s Showcase Communities may market themselves as such for years after the original designation.