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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   
Raheemah Jabbar-Bey or Signe Bell, University of Delaware Center for Community Research and Service, or signe@udel.edu
Neil Cotiaux, FHLBank Pittsburgh: 412-288-2851, cell: 412-335-9488; Neil.cotiaux@fhlb-pgh.com
                       
University of Delaware, Federal Home Loan Bank Launch ‘Blueprint Communities’ Initiative to Help Cities, Towns and Neighborhoods Plan for Long-term Success: Leadership Training, Capacity Building, New Momentum Coming

WILMINGTON, DE, November 5, 2007 – The University of Delaware’s Center for Community Research and Service (CCRS) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) have entered into a partnership to bring the Blueprint Communities revitalization initiative to the First State.

Blueprint Communities helps cities, towns and neighborhoods develop stronger leaders, a clear community vision and a detailed strategic plan for sustainable community growth. Up to ten Delaware communities – to be selected in January 2008 – will be the recipients of free community development training valued at $25,000, a mini-grant for implementation and other program features designed to spur comprehensive community growth upon successful completion of the nearly year-long program.

The University of Delaware and FHLBank are the initiative’s two primary sponsors. Joining them as advisers are the Delaware Community Foundation, Delaware Community Investment Corporation, First State Community Action Agency, First State Community Loan Fund, State of Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination, Delaware State Housing Authority, United Way of Delaware, local FHLBank members and Wachovia.

Requests for referrals of communities interested in participating are due November 20, 2007. Full details on applicant requirements may be found at www.blueprintcommunities.com.

Each referred community, as well as those that apply directly, must submit a detailed proposal explaining why it should be chosen. FHLBank, in concert with CCRS, University of Delaware and an advisory committee, will select the participating communities in January 2008.  A kickoff event will be held in March and training will begin immediately thereafter. Training will conclude in the fall of 2008.

“Delaware continues to grow as a great place to live and do business,” said University of Delaware President Patrick Harker. “The University’s role in Blueprint Communities is rooted in the belief that we need to continuously develop and support leadership at the local level and help communities systematically plan for the future through collaborative relationships.”

“This initiative comes on the heels of our highly successful programs in Pennsylvania and West Virginia,” said John R. Price, president and chief executive of FHLBank, a congressionally chartered institution that provides local lenders with low-cost liquidity, affordable housing grants and other community and economic development tools. “A total of 32 designated Blueprint Communities in those two states developed a local vision, created a strategic plan, forged community consensus and have begun implementing a variety of compelling community projects. FHLBank is pleased to provide the primary funding for this extremely important initiative.”

How it works

Localities are chosen for participation in Blueprint Communities based on their current capacity to plan and implement community revitalization projects and their ability to assemble a qualified leadership team representing diverse community interests. Each team must include community planners, bankers, local government leaders, housing providers, local religious, education and civic leaders and others. To be eligible for participation, communities must have a population of 500-15,000 and must not have completed a community vision or holistic community action plan during the last two years.
                                               
As part of the initiative, each community team will receive initial benefits with an estimated value of $25,000 (not a cash award), including:

• Six days of community revitalization training by the University of Delaware’s Center for Community Research and Service including materials, meals and lodging
• A community profile including important key indicators and trends for planning
• Access to a community development consultant for coaching and resources
• A matching mini-grant for technical assistance, project implementation or predevelopment needs after successful involvement in training
• Access to a network of funding sources upon successful completion of the program that may lead to more coordinated public and private investments.

Interested communities may contact Dave Buches, manager of Community Investment at FHLBank at 302-242-1257 or via email at dbuches@fhlb-pgh.com with specific questions.

The mission of the University of Delaware’s Center for Community Research and Service is to provide usable knowledge, education, training and services that enhance the ability of organizations and communities to promote social and economic opportunity. Their work is guided by the following values: healthy communities, experiential and continuous learning, social and economic justice, human dignity and equality, collaboration, democracy and civic involvement, community participation and reflective practice.

With assets of approximately $82 billion, FHLBank Pittsburgh, a government-sponsored enterprise created by Congress in 1932, serves 331 financial institution members across its three-state district of Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It is one of twelve FHLBanks, all cooperatively owned banks using private capital, not taxpayer dollars, to provide a steady stream of low-cost financing and grants for affordable housing and community and economic development.

EDITORS: Please note – The Blueprint Communities logo may be lifted for publication by going to the Media Center and choosing Logos & Photos. Both JPEG and EPS treatments of the logo are available.