In May 2013, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the selection of a consortium that includes ICMA, Enterprise Community Partners, Public Financial Management (PFM), HR&A Advisors, Inc., and NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service to run and operate the Strong Cities, Strong Communities National Resource Network (the Network).

The goal of the Network, which launched in May 2014, is to support cities across the U.S. that are challenged by a range of mounting issues such as growing poverty, high unemployment, poor performing schools, aging infrastructure, and vacant and blighted properties. The Network partners with cities that are rounding the corner from major economic challenges to help them identify and implement practical solutions to facilitate their paths to economic recovery and growth. The Network provides three core services:

• Support for Implementing Solutions:  The Network deploys teams of private and public sector experts to work with cities to implement locally identified projects and initiatives to deliver economic benefits in the near term. Network teams also work to build local capacity and leadership for the future. 
• Access to Peer Networks and New Ideas: The Network convenes and connects local leaders to their peers and other experts solving similar problems across the country. Through structured peer networks and innovative uses of technology, the Network empowers creative, collaborative problem solving targeting the toughest economic challenges facing America’s cities. The Network also generates real time analysis and policy recommendations that can inform local, state, and federal action.
• On-Line, On-Demand Access to Expertise: The Network’s website provides an unprecedented online library of tools and resources tailored for the leaders of these economically challenged communities, as well as the first-ever compilation of publicly and privately funded technical assistance opportunities. It also hosts the country’s first “311” resource for public agency staff working on fiscal, economic, and community development issues in cities across the country.  

Learn more at www.nationalresourcenetwork.org; follow the project on Twitter at @NatlResourceNet.

Funder:  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Contact:  Jessica Johnston, jjohnston@icma.org