From September 08, 2007 News Release from Clark University
September 24, 2007

With the Congressional interest in new and creative urban initiatives and the need for the national administration’s attention to the domestic agenda, Clark University (Worcester, MA), Community Development Training Institute (Newport, RI), Freddie Mac (Washington, DC), University of Massachusetts Amherst (Amherst, MA) and the National Community Development Association are seeking the submission of proposal abstracts to a National Urban Initiatives Competition. Our presidential candidates are suggesting proposals that would lessen the disparities in cities and bring a renewed awareness to these long'standing issues. This competition is not only going to further this awareness but will provide alternative platforms for change.

The program is seeking proposal abstracts that are practical, creative and are well rooted in theory. Proposal abstracts should translate from theory to model or vice versa. For example, an exemplary existing project or activity can be transformed or explained by a generic model that is well rooted in theory. Furthermore, it should be feasible to enact into new legislation. This is neither a purely academic exercise nor a best practice competition. Although the program is seeking proposal abstracts for the domestic urban agenda, it is recognized that non-domestic research, literature, projects and activities proposed — especially in developing countries — may be relevant and such innovations are encouraged to the extent they represent potentially viable models for the U.S.

Proposal abstracts will be accepted in each of the following categories: 1) affordable and sustainable housing, 2) neighborhood based economic development, and 3) financial services to low-income communities. An award of $20,000 will be given to winners in each of the three categories. There will also be three $2,500 cash awards given to the second place winners of each category. Total awards will amount to over $65,000.

Proposal abstracts will be evaluated by key criteria including originality/creativity; practicality/utility and financial feasibility for legislative implementation. All applicants must include a representative of an institution of higher education (this includes junior colleges). The educational institution must team with one or more of 1) a local government entity and/or 2) a non-profit organization. Teams partially comprised of students are encouraged. The purpose of teaming with an institution of higher education goes beyond this competition and the hope is that these partnerships will continue to forge new alliances in urban planning and community development in cities.

The evaluation process will be a two'step process. For Step I there will be a desk review by selected experts in the field of community development. These screeners will cull the proposal abstracts down to three finalists in each category. For Step II of judging, national experts will be empanelled and announced prior to Step II of the judging. This panel of judges will make the award decisions. These judges, national experts and mayors, will also be invited to participate in the award ceremony and day long National Urban Initiatives Conference, which will take place at Clark University on September 18 and 19, 2008. The winning policy papers will be presented at the conference.

The two'step process will begin with the RFP/Call for Papers issued in September 2007 and the submission of Step I Proposal Abstracts will be due January 25, 2008. Step I of judging will be completed February 1, 2008 to March 14, 2008 and all applicants will be notified of Step I decisions by March 15, 2008. The Step II Papers for the finalists will be due by June 30, 2008.

For more information please contact Dr. Mark Tigan or Megan Reagon at: mtigan@clarku.edu, mreagon@larp.umass.edu or check our website www.clarku.edu/departments/idce/researchActivities_CDTI.cfm