LINCOLN, NEB. (March 19, 2007)— The 2007 Community Development Week theme “CDBG: Building Strong Communities” offers communities the dual opportunity to celebrate successful projects and champion the program, which for the past 30-plus years has made communities stronger.

This year, communities are invited to go all out in celebrating CD Week in Nebraska, April 9-14. 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.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is fighting to keep its original budget. Housing, infrastructure, public works, and business development are a few of the areas that critical services are providing assistance to Nebraska communities. 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. Funding for FY 2007 will remain at the FY 2006 funding level.

At the state level, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) will help coordinate:

• A Governor’s proclamation signing and award presentation on April 9, 10:30 a.m.—Governor Dave Heineman will proclaim CD Week in Nebraska, designate the 2007 Showcase Community, and present awards from the cities of Lincoln and Omaha.

• CD Week 2007 and the CDBG program website —Pertinent information will be featured at: 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.

The National Community Development Association initiated National Community Development Week in 1986 to remind Congress of the importance of the CDBG program.

For information about 2007 CD Week, contact Elizabeth Christensen at 800-426-6505, or 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:
Elizabeth Christensen at 800-426-6505, 402-471-4168, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Individuals who are hearing and/or speech impaired and have a TDD, may contact the department through the Statewide Relay System by calling one of the following numbers:
711, (800) 833- 7352 (TDD), or (800) 833-0920 (voice).
The relay operator should be asked to call DED at (800) 426-6505, or (402) 471-3111.