Community Development Week 2006 to celebrate "CDBG: Moving Communities Forward"

LINCOLN, NEB. (March 6, 2006)-Using a board game motif, the 2006 Community Development Week theme "CDBG: Moving Communities Forward" offers communities the dual opportunity to celebrate successful projects and champion the program, which for the past 30-plus years has literally built communities from the ground up.

The stakes have never been higher as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is fighting to hold on to a budget that allows it to continue providing critical services in the areas of housing, infrastructure, public works, business development and more. The program took a 10% cut for FY 2006, and funding has fallen from an all-time high of $4.33 billion in FY 2001 to $3.71 billion in formula funding for FY 2006.

This year, communities are invited to pull out all stops in celebrating CD Week in Nebraska, April 17-23. Suggested activities include holding proclamation signings with local officials; hosting community appreciation dinners; working with downtown business owners to promote downtown and area businesses; and writing letters to congressional representatives to highlight achievements and express support for the resources and programs that help make community development projects possible.

At the state level, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) will be coordinating:

. A Governor's proclamation signing and award presentation on April 17, 10:30 a.m.-Governor Dave Heineman will officially proclaim CD Week in Nebraska, designate the 2006 Showcase Community, and present awards from the cities of Lincoln and Omaha.

. A website reserved for CD Week 2006 and the CDBG program -Pertinent information will be featured here: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/cdweek.htm

. CDBG "success stories" -Stories reflecting successful projects statewide will be written and disseminated to economic developers and the media.

. Pre-event news releases-Releases will inform the public about events sponsored by DED and other organizations and communities throughout the state.

. Support for organizations celebrating 2006 CD Week

Nominations for the Showcase Community designee will be accepted through March 22. The designation recognizes a community that for the past five-10 years has demonstrated exceptional capacity to identify community development goals and strategies; combine local, state and federal resources to achieve these goals; and accomplish major projects with positive impacts. Nomination forms can be found at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/cdweek.htm

The National Community Development Association initiated National Community Development Week in 1986 to remind Congress of the importance of the CDBG program. For more information about 2006 CD Week or the Showcase Community Award nomination process, contact Jerod Trouba, CD week coordinator, at 800-426-6505, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/cdweek.htm

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Jerod Trouba at 800-426-6505, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it