During the San Francisco meeting, The United States Conference of Mayors, the Large Urban County Caucus of the National Association of Counties and the National Community Development Association jointly announced the recipients of this year’s National Community Development Innovation Awards.

"The cities and counties we are honoring with this award have developed outstanding innovative programs through the CDBG that have effectively addressed their unique neighborhood revitalization needs," said Charles Box, Mayor of Rockford, IL and co-chairman of the CDBG 25th Anniversary Task Force.

National Community Development Innovation Award Winners:

• Mayor Deedee Corradini, Salt Lake City, UT - ‘ Our House Child Care and Education Center/Homeless Children’s Foundation’

Our House, Salt Lake City’s unique child care center for homeless and low-income children, combines CDBG resources with local funding and community support to provide a stable, nurturing environment for the most vulnerable and valuable members of the community.

• Mayor Patrick Henry Hays, North Little Rock, AR - ‘Homeownership Program’

Through the CDBG, the city has provided down payment assistance to help low-income residents purchase and occupy standard housing. In addition, the city formed three Community Development Corporations to promote homeownership and neighborhood revitalization.

• Supervisor Jerry Eaves, San Bernardino County, CA - ‘Gang Intervention Program’

Gang intervention programs, counseling and job training have proved successful in motivating individuals to detach themselves from their gang affiliated tattooed identity. To increase job opportuities, the county offers tattoo removal services for all eligible persons rom low-income households.

• Commissioner Michael Hightower, Fulton County, GA - ‘The Families First Program’

The County used CDBG funds to support the Families First Development Center, a 14- unit efficiency apartment facility offering homeless families, particularly young single mothers and their children, one year of stable subsidized housing as part of a self-help program.

• Mayor Sara B. Bost. Irvington, NJ - ‘The Chris Gatling Recreation Center’

In September 1998, the Mayor Bost and the National Basketball Association All-Star Chris Gatling opened a new recreationfacility, named for the basketball player, in the restored former Police Athletic League building. The Center is providing structured recreational, athletic, educational and cultural programs that have not been available to the community in years.

• Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, Hennepin County, MN - ‘Building with Care’

Building with Care is a program developed with Hennepin County CDBG funds providing home accessibility modifications by Tree Trust, a non-profit corporation that trains and employs special needs youth and adults by having them participate in meaningful community projects.