Secretary Shaun Donovan of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that 13 communities from around the U.S. are to receive $3.6 million in Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants.

“All across the country, local planners are serious about rolling up their sleeves to transform distressed neighborhoods into choice neighborhoods,” said Donovan.  The Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants through HUD’s HOPE VI Program, link improvements in housing to a variety of other public services such as schools, public transportation and job opportunities.

In 2011, there were 71 applications received by HUD from communities throughout the U.S. The recipients of the grants were able to demonstrate their commitment to transforming their neighborhoods, not only with the proposed HUD funds, but also with outside private investments coupled with other Federal monies.

Congress appropriated the funds for the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants in HUD’ 2010 budget and in 2011, further authorized HUD to use $65 million to provide competitive grants.  These grants will insure the transformation, rehabilitation and preservation of public housing and privately owned HUD-assisted housing.

The Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants help broaden the reach of the HOPE VI Program beyond public housing authorities by reaching out to include local governments, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit developers.