REAUTHORIZATION AND FULL FUNDING FOR HOPE VI PROGRAM
WHEREAS, Since 1992, HUD's HOPE VI program has provided over $ 4.5 billion to cities
across the country to revitalize severely distressed public housing sites and surrounding
neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, under the successful administration of local public housing authorities, the HOPE VI
program has leveraged billions of dollars in private investment in distressed communities, set forth
the revitalization of thousands of units of public and affordable housing, provided homeownership
opportunities for low and moderate income residents, created jobs for people who have not had
access to economic opportunity, and provided job training and social services for public housing
residents; and
WHEREAS, the HOPE VI program has brought together important community partners,
including businesses, representatives from governments, philanthropic institutions, lenders, non-profits, faith-based institutions, and residents, to formulate and implement a plan for
comprehensive revitalization in their communities; and
WHEREAS, in fiscal year 2002, HUD was able to only fund less than half of the HOPE VI
applications it received, demonstrating a strong, on-going need for continued funding for the
program; and
WHEREAS, according to current law, the HOPE VI program is scheduled to end after fiscal year
2004; and
WHEREAS, HUD's proposed budget for fiscal year 2004 does not include funding for this
important program,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the U.S. Conference of Mayors opposes the
termination of this highly successful program after fiscal year 2004, and calls upon Congress to (1)
appropriate at least $ 625 million for HOPE VI in fiscal year 2004; and (2) take other appropriate
legislative action to ensure that the HOPE VI program is continued at least through fiscal year
2008.
©2003 U.S. Conference of Mayors 
