Support President Obama's Proposal to Promote Jobs and Investment Through the Creation of Growth Zones
Adopted at the 79th Annual Meeting in 2011
WHEREAS, President Obama proposes to rejuvenate distressed communities through a new initiative to identify and support Growth Zones across the country; and
WHEREAS, economic growth occurs in a metropolitan or regional context and, when possible, federal initiatives should acknowledge regional assets and patterns as they provide incentives and tools to enhance such growth;
WHEREAS, the President proposes to create a national competition for Growth Zones, a Race to the Top-style initiative for regions and communities that face high unemployment rates and that identify new opportunities for economic growth; and
WHEREAS, Growth Zones are designed to build upon the legacy of Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities, and Renewal Communities, as well as initiatives begun or strengthened during the Obama Administration, and improve these programs' ability to provide support to distressed communities; and
WHEREAS, Growth Zones will stimulate job creation and investments through employment credits and investment incentives to businesses; and
WHEREAS, Growth Zones will support communities in translating economic strategies into economic realities providing planning and seed capital grants; and
WHEREAS, Growth Zones will receive federal program flexibility to allow for more coordinated and effective use of federal funding; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors supports the President's proposal to create a Growth Zones program.