Enterprise Point of Contact:
Jeanie ShattuckSenior Policy Analyst
Last Updated: December 12, 2011
Issue Background: Place-Based Community Development
The Choice Neighborhoods Initiative was first proposed by the Obama Administration in the fiscal year (FY) 2010 federal budget. The initiative is intended to be a successor to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOPE VI program for the redevelopment of severely distressed public housing.HOPE VI was created in 1992 as part of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act (Public Law Number 102-389). The program was based on recommendations by the National Commission on Severely Distressed Public Housing. Public and Indian Housing Authorities are eligible to apply for grants to fund demolition of severely distressed housing, capital improvements (including major rehabilitation and new construction), acquisition of sites for off-site construction, and community and supportive service programs.
Choice Neighborhoods provides competitive grants to rebuild both public and assisted housing into mixed-income communities with access to quality schools, transportation and other vital community services. One of the notable features of Choice Neighborhoods is its preference for funding housing redevelopment that is coordinated with local school improvements, so that children may simultaneously benefit from improved housing and schools.
Choice Neighborhoods is part of a broader movement to think more holistically and comprehensively about affordable housing and concentrated poverty. The Obama Administration has proposed a set of “place-based initiatives” that allow local governments to work collaboratively to address local needs. Another example of place-based community development is the Department of Education’s Promise Neighborhoods program, which focuses on helping communities create comprehensive birth-to-college educational strategies for their children. To encourage continued collaboration and coordination of investments, Promise Neighborhoods and Choice Neighborhoods share a similar structure and program requirements, and some ambitious projects have been awarded grants under both programs.
Current Policy State
The Choice Neighborhoods Initiative has yet to receive Congressional authorization. In fiscal years 2010-2012, HUD requested funding for the program as a replacement for HOPE VI. In 2010 and 2011, Congress retained HOPE VI while providing funding for a Choice Neighborhoods demonstration program within the HOPE VI program account. In 2012, Congress provided funding for Choice Neighborhoods but did not provide additional funds for HOPE VI.Legislative and Regulatory Priorities
Enterprise strives to create opportunity for low- and moderate income people through fit, affordable housing and diverse, thriving communities. We support the goals of the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, which helps advance this mission by providing resources for holistic initiatives that address the multifaceted problems that face areas of concentrated poverty.Publications and Resources
Current Place-Based Community Development Legislative Proposals (112th Congress)
- Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act of 2011 (S. 624)
- Public Housing Reinvestment and Tenant Protection Act of 2011 (H.R. 762)
- Promise Neighborhoods Act of 2011 (H.R. 2098 and S. 1004)
Previous Place-Based Community Development Legislative Proposals (111th Congress)
- Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act of 2010 (S. 4059)
- Public Housing Reinvestment and Tenant Protection Act of 2010 (H.R. 5814)
HUD Choice Neighborhoods Legislative Proposals
- Legislative Language - FY 2011 Update
- Section-by-Section Analysis - FY 2011 Update
FY 2010 HOPE VI, Choice Neighborhoods Funding Information
In August 2010, HUD released Fiscal Year 2010 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Choice Neighborhoods Planning and Implementation Grant program (Enterprise FY 2010 Choice Neighborhoods – Round 1 NOFA Summary). In March 2011, HUD announced the first round of planning grants, awarded to 17 communities across the country. These grants are used to further develop transformation plans and build local capacity. In August 2011, HUD announced the first round of implementation grants to help communities realize a vision for comprehensive neighborhood revitalization. Enterprise program offices in Maryland, Seattle and San Francisco are partners in projects that have received planning or implementation grants.- Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grantees (Round 1)
- Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grantees (Round 1)
Enterprise Resources
For the latest program funding levels, visit the Enterprise Budget and Appropriations webpage
Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Testimony
- On March 17, 2010, former Vice President and Senior Policy Advisor Kris Siglin provided Testimony to the House Financial Services Committee
- Enterprise FY 2010 policy recommendations to Congressional staff for the Choice Neighborhoods program
School-Centered Community Revitalization Research
- The Community Developer's Guide to Improving Schools in Revitalizing Neighborhoods
- Policy Roadmap for Expanding School-Centered Community Revitalization
- Reconnecting Schools and Neighborhoods
External Resources
- Department of Education Promise Neighborhoods webpage
- Final Report of the National Commission on Severely Distressed Public Housing
- HUD Choice Neighborhoods webpage
- HUD HOPE VI webpage
- White House Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative
External Research
- The Impacts of Affordable Housing on Education: A Research Summary; Center for Housing Policy (CHP), 2011