Washington, D.C.– The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it is making $189 million in grants available through a pair of programs that aim to revitalize community quality of life.  The Choice Neighborhoods FY 2010 program, which is offering $65 million, includes local governments, non-profits, and for-profit developers in residential planning to improve housing quality, improve local schools and increase neighborhood work access. The HOPE VI FY 2010 program identifies qualifying public housing projects and develops them into mixed-income communities centered around houses, duplexes and row houses rather than large tenements. Both programs’ grant applications are accessible at http://www.grants.gov.

Hope VI was created in 1992 by Congress and has always focused on housing improvement. Choice Neighborhoods is a new program that emphasizes not only housing but the areas around distressed neighborhoods, often pushing local officials to consider transportation to schools and the condition of nearby housing, job opportunities and infrastructure.

“This is a great chance for Southern Arizona to improve not just housing quality, but general community spirit and livability,” said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva of the announcement. “Urban development isn’t just a question of tearing down old buildings – there are plenty of ways we can upgrade our neighborhood quality of life, and I encourage everyone working on housing and sustainable living issues to apply for these grants. Neighborhood improvement has greater and longer-lasting economic and social benefits than just about any other public program, and it’s important that we take this opportunity to invest in our communities’ future.”

Applying for Choice Neighborhoods

Applicants have until October 26 to apply for Choice Neighborhoods Planning or Implementation grants. The two are administered separately.

HUD anticipates that 12 to 15 Planning Grants will be made, with a maximum award of $250,000 each. Decisions on Implementation grant applications will be made through a two-round application process. Upon conclusion of its review in Round 1, HUD will select approximately 10 finalists and publish a second notice of availability. Finalists will have the opportunity to submit a more detailed plan for community transformation. HUD expects to award two to four Implementation grants at a maximum of $31 million each.

Applying for HOPE VI

HOPE VI Revitalization grant applicants have until November 22. HUD anticipates awarding five or six grants with a maximum award of $22 million each.

Submissions for each program must be made electronically throughhttp://www.grants.gov