The city of San Diego was awarded a $100,000 federal grant as part of a program to help economically depressed neighborhoods, it was announced Wednesday.
The U.S Department of Commerce’s economic development agency handed out the money so city staff can create an economic development strategy for the San Diego Promise Zone.
A swath of San Diego was designated a “Promise Zone” earlier this year, which means the area receives priority and assistance in obtaining grants.
The strategy will allow the city and its partners to provide increased job opportunities to residents while helping to bolster the economic vitality of the area, according to the agency. The process is designed to bring the public and private sectors together to create an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.
EDD Assistant Secretary Jay Williams said the agency “has long recognized that each community is unique in its challenges, assets and capabilities — therefore, the Promise Zone designation will be a catalyst for ongoing collaboration and change that will drive future regional growth and prosperity.”
The funding is aimed at helping “Promise Zone communities create jobs, increase economic activity, improve educational outcomes and help citizens gain access to affordable housing,” according to the EDD.
A total of $14.4 million was awarded to promise zones around the country, including in Los Angeles and cities in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and North Dakota.
— City News Service
