LINCOLN, NEB. (March 7, 2008)—Who will be the Governor’s Showcase Community in 2008?  Join Governor Dave Heineman for a special awards ceremony and proclamation signing on March 25, 10 a.m., at the Nebraska State Capitol. The event helps kick off Community Development (CD) Week, March 24-30. 

CD Week recognizes and highlights the importance of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The 2008 Community Development Week theme “CDBG: On the Right Road” offers communities the opportunity to celebrate successful projects and champion the program, which for the past 30-plus years has made communities stronger.

Communities across Nebraska are invited to go all out in celebrating and publicizing CD Week at a local level. Considering that the CDBG program funding has fallen from an all-time high of $4.33 billion in FY 2001 to $3.71 billion in formula funding for FY 2008, it is important for people to understand that this funding, administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, provides critical assistance for housing, infrastructure, public works and business development projects among many others.

Suggested celebration 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 National Community Development Association initiated National Community Development Week in 1986 to remind Congress of the importance of the CDBG program. For information on Community Development Week, contact Elizabeth Martin at 800-426-6505, 402-471-4168, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit the Web site: www.neded.org.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT
Patty Wood at 800-426-6505, 402-471-1559, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it