High-poverty communities across the country have another chance at a leg up the “ladders of opportunity” with applications now open for the second round of Promise Zones. In his 2013 State of the Union address, President Obama unveiled the Promise Zone Initiative to make the federal government more responsive and resourceful for communities in pursuit of economic opportunity. At the core of this program is collaboration between the Administration and local leaders to “create jobs, increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, leverage private investment, and reduce violent crime.”

The first five Promise Zones (three urban, one rural, one tribal) were announced on January 9th, 2014 – overall twenty will be designated by the end of 2016. For the second round, HUD intends to select six urban communities and USDA intends to select at least one rural and at least one tribal community. Promise Zones last for ten years and come with an array of benefits, including staff to assist in utilization of existing federal assistance, preferential consideration for certain competitive programs, and five full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members to support the strategic plan. Furthermore, businesses that invest or hire residents from Promise Zones will be eligible to receive tax incentives.

The Promise Zone Initiative is part of the Obama Administration’s focus on evidence-based investments. The data-driven, objective evaluation process is fundamental to the creation and implementation of programs that generate results – better programs equal better social outcomes. Anchored by an interagency collaboration at the federal level, the framework to support locally-driven economic opportunity is outlined in six goals and strategies:

• Accountability for Clear Goals
• Intensive Federal Partnership
• Help Accessing Resources
• National Service
• Investing in What Works
• Cutting Taxes for Businesses

Local leaders who want transformative change in their communities should explore the creation of a Promise Zone. This opportunity to partner with the federal government (12 agencies offered preferential entry to 35 programs in 2014) provides a unique, effective way to create economic development, boost educational opportunities, and reduce violent crime in urban, rural, and tribal communities across the country.

A second round Promise Zone application guide has been created to assist rural and tribal communities – urban communities should consult an alternate application guide. A letter of intent/request for application must first be submitted in order to complete the Promise Zone application on www.MAX.gov. The applicant will receive a unique identification link to allow access. Application materials are due by 5:00 PM EST on November 21st, 2014.