Topic: 14 - Center for Community Futures

The Official TRANSCRIPT of the Small Group Reports on May 31, 2007

Issued June 13, 2007

This is NOT the community action plan

See the next page for the overview of the plan development process

Acknowledgements and Overview

This is the Transcript of the information reported by the small groups at the

Symposium on Poverty and Economic Security on Thursday, May 31, 2007.

People self-selected into small groups that were organized around the 14 topic areas listed in the Table of Contents.

They drafted proposed national goals, accountability measures and suggested strategies to reach the goals. For each general topic, there can be multiple goals.

The ‘reports out’ were compiled into an initial draft of the proposed transcript.

The written notes prepared in each group were then added to the initial draft.

Then, the facilitators and reporters were given that draft of the proposed transcript for verification and some made minor corrections. Their final draft is the official Transcript.

Each of the 62 goals is on a separate page, along with its proposed accountability measures and suggested strategies.

The contact information for the facilitator and/or reporters is listed for each goal.

This is NOT the draft of the community action plan.

This information from this Transcript will be merged into the document that will become the draft of the community action network’s recommendation for national goals, accountability measures and suggested strategies -- into what will almost surely be labeled as our ‘plan.’

The draft plan will be posted on the Partnership website, and it will be further refined and new material will be added to it at the Partnership’s Annual

Conference in San Diego in August, at the NASCSP conference in

September, and at state and local meetings, and by the partner organizations

NCAF and CAPLAW. A detailed process and timetable will be ready by the

Annual Conference and will also be posted on the website.

The tentative date for issuance of the Community Action Plan is May of 2008.

This date could change.

Thanks to all of the people who have helped the community action network move along this pathway.

2

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements and overview ………….…………………………………………………2

Topic 1. Human Capital: Preschool. ................................................................................ 6

Topic 2. Human Capital: K-12. Literacy. .......................................................................... 7

Topic 2. Human Capital: K-12. Financial Literacy. .......................................................... 8

Topic 2. Human Capital: K-12. Integration ...................................................................... 9

Topic 3. Post-secondary education. ............................................................................. 10

Topic 4. Human Capital: Health. ................................................................................... 11




Topic 5. Political Capital. How can political capital be created or increased? ............... 15

Topic 5. Political Capital. How can political capital be created or increased? ............... 16

Topic 6. Social Capital: How can social capital be created or increased? .................... 17




Topic 7. Social Capital. How can social capital assist youth and ex-offenders, etc.? .... 21

Topic 8. Cultural Capital. How can we shape the American Dream so that it will work for everybody? .............................................................................................................. 22






Topic 9. Cultural Capital. What is the minimum quality of life, or the minimum safety net, and who is responsible for what parts of it? ...................................................... 28







3


Topic 10. Financial Capital: (Rules about) How the economy operates internationally e.g., international trade, globalization ...................................................................... 36





Topic 10. Financial Capital: (Rules about) How the economy operates internationally e.g., international trade, globalization: World Bank and Other International Players

................................................................................................................................. 42

Topic 10. Financial Capital: (Rules about) How the economy operates internationally e.g., international trade, globalization: Special Interest Groups ............................. 43

Topic 10. Financial Capital: (Rules about) How the economy operates internationally e.g., international trade, globalization: Immigration ................................................ 44

Topic 10. Financial Capital: (Rules about) How the economy operates internationally e.g., international trade, globalization: U.S. Workforce .......................................... 45

Topic 11. Financial Capital. (Rules about) How the economy operates domestically

(work, wages and benefits) ...................................................................................... 47











Topic 12. Natural Capital. How can natural capital be transformed into financial capital in ways that benefit low-income people and preserve natural resources? Reducing

Utility Costs .............................................................................................................. 53

Topic 12. Natural Capital. How can natural capital be transformed into financial capital in ways that benefit low-income people and preserve natural resources? Reducing

Utility Costs .............................................................................................................. 54

Topic 12. Natural Capital. How can natural capital be transformed into financial capital in ways that benefit low-income people and preserve natural resources? Locally grown & naturally produced food ............................................................................. 55

Topic 12. Natural Capital. How can natural capital be transformed into financial capital in ways that benefit low-income people and preserve natural resources?

Transportation .......................................................................................................... 56

4

Topic 12. Natural Capital. How can natural capital be transformed into financial capital in ways that benefit low-income people and preserve natural resources? (Reducing

Utility Costs) ............................................................................................................. 57

Topic 12. Natural Capital. How can natural capital be transformed into financial capital in ways that benefit low-income people and preserve natural resources? Incentives to Local Communities .............................................................................................. 58

Topic 12. Natural Capital. How can natural capital be transformed into financial capital in ways that benefit low-income people and preserve natural resources? Provide

Contact Natural World .............................................................................................. 59

Topic 12. Natural Capital. How can natural capital be transformed into financial capital in ways that benefit low-income people and preserve natural resources? Alternative

Energy ..................................................................................................................... 60

Topic 13. Built Capital. How can economic development reduce poverty and promote economic security? .................................................................................................. 61

Topic 14: Built Capital. How can enough housing be produced? .................................. 62





5

Topic 1. Human Capital: Preschool.

Goal : Every child, birth to 8, and their families will have guaranteed access to comprehensive, high quality early care and education based on the Head Start model, by 2015.

Accountability Measure/s :

Suggested Strategy/ies:



Provide for credentialing and ongoing staff development for all early childhood staff and providers, in formal and informal settings.



Developmentally appropriate programming through 3 rd grade.



Goal depends upon strengthened services for families of young children, including health, dental, mental health, social services, housing, and nutrition.



Full day services available to all children.



Comprehensive services for all family structures.



high quality facilities



Competitive wages for all early childhood staff



Consistent, quality standards for ECE programs across the nation and across program models.



Funding to support high-quality services for all children, including full funding for all eligible children.



A community-based delivery system



Eliminate barriers to use of multiple funding streams.

For more information on this goal contact : Biz Steinberg, esteinberg@eocslo.org

6

Topic 2. Human Capital: K-12. Literacy.

Goal : Every student will graduate high school with skills and knowledge to be able to attend secondary education and succeed & complete in the global economy.




Increase literacy rate to 90% within 5 years.



Decrease cohort dropout rate by 20% in 5 years.



80% of students proficient at reading at their grade level




Obtain more funding and spend more money on training (professional development) on poverty issues for teachers, every year.



All schools must be adequately and equitably funded by taking into account student needs and the effects of poverty. A weighted-student funding formula should be used to ensure that schools with high percentages of low-income children have the necessary resources



Pre-Post tests in reading: o Pre-test each student at the beginning of each year to determine reading level. o Students reading below grade level are placed in mandatory tutoring during school hours. o Reading level re-tested at the end of each semester. o Post-test last week of schedule. o Summer school required for those not meeting goal.



Redesign failing schools for relevance (engaging class work), relationship

(smaller schools), and rigor (college-ready curriculum)



Increase the number and percentage of minority and low-income students attending and completing post-secondary education.



Direct, full funding for No Child Left Behind.



Provide alternative educational options instead of suspension.



Increase parent involvement.

For more information on this goal contact : Evelyn Wilson, Evemayto@aol.com

or

Susana Barrera, 562-908-8393, susanabarrera@dpss.lacounty.gov

or Marizet

DeLaCruz-Leak, 585-503-2821, marinumone@yahoo.com

, or Sande Rudeseal, srudesea@gideon.k12.mo.us

, or David MacDonald, CAFCA & Hartford Board of

Education, 860-560-5847, david@cafca.org

7

Topic 2. Human Capital: K-12. Financial Literacy.

Goal : Increase financial literacy classes in school.




Classes offered to juniors and seniors (or whatever the target grade)



Pre-post tests on skills




Community members provide classes at no cost, giving students chances to learn, meet faces in community, know where to obtain services



Partnerships with adults, students, other agencies to share experiences, lessons, and curriculum.

For more information on this goal contact : Kris Marion, Community Services Inc.,

660-582-3113, kmarion@asde.net

8

Topic 2. Human Capital: K-12. Integration

Goal : All students will have opportunity to attend a racial/socio-economically integrated school that provides a rigorous, college ready curriculum




Decrease segregation



Increased achievement of urban & low-income students



Increased college completion of urban &low income students




Public school choice



More educational specialties and options for students



Weighted-student funding that takes into account needs such as poverty, special education, and giftedness. Money follows the child so that good schools thrive and are duplicated, and failing schools are redesigned.

For more information on this goal contact : David MacDonald, CAFCA & Hartford

Board of Education, 860-560-5847, david@cafca.org

9

Topic 3. Post-secondary education.

Goal : Higher education will be more connected to civic engagement, community building and establishing a role in reducing poverty.

Goal : Throughout their lives, all people will have an opportunity and access to post secondary education and training to compete in the changing labor market.


Suggested Strategy/ies :



Identify barriers



Revisit workforce development requirements



Revisit TANF requirements



Revisit financial aid programs like HELP



Conduct roundtable discussions on best practices



CAP role: partner with institutions to identify populations



Bring community colleges more into the community (physically, like with community centers)



Create a curriculum on the history of poverty



Create More opportunities for universal service with educational opportunities awards (like AmeriCorps)



Ensure more corporate social responsibility (provide scholarships, mentoring)

For more info on these goals contact : Jim Scheibel, jimscheibel@mindspring.com

10

Topic 4. Human Capital: Health .

Goal : Increase State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to 300% of the

Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

Accountability Measure/s:



All states provide SCHIP to all children in families that qualify for any entitlement programs.



Federal government increases SCHIP reimbursement to 300% of FPL


 Persuade state legislature and U.S. Congress that investing in children’s health is an investment in their future and ours.



Form alliances with other organizations at the national, sate and local level interested in providing health to children.

For more info on this goal contact : Wendy VanElverdinghe, 503-485-8963, wendy@cado-oregon.org

11


Goal : Provide health care coverage to all parents whose children receive State

Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).




Increase the number and percentage of parents that receive health benefits through state health programs



Increase number and percentage of parents that receive help to pay employee share of health care premium.




Persuade state legislature and U.S. Congress that health care coverage for parents is necessary.



Form alliances with other organizations at the national, state and local level who support health care for all people who cannot afford to pay for health insurance.

For more information on this goal contact : Wendy VanElverdinghe, 503-485-8963, wendy@cado-oregon.org

12


Goal : Universal Health Care




Health care, especially prevention and early intervention available to all regardless of income, employment and social status.




Persuade state legislatures and U.S. Congress that universal health care is an entitlement.



Form alliances with other organizations at the national, state and local levels that support universal health coverage.


13


Goal : Mental Health Parity




All health care benefits include mental health benefits at the same level as physical health benefits




Persuade state legislatures and U.S. Congress that mental health is as important as physical health.



Form alliances with other organizations at the national, state and local level who support mental health parity.


14

Topic 5. Political Capital. How can political capital be created or increased?

Goal : By 2010 all 50 states will adopt public policy that reduces poverty by at least 50%.




Track number of plans completed and adopted


 State CAA’s lead statewide advocacy;

 Local CAA’s lead local advocacy;



Develop a marketing and public education plan;



Gain bi-partisan support.

For more information on this goal contact : Julie Bunch, jbunch_taca@bellsouth.net

15

Topic 5. Political Capital. How can political capital be created or increased?

Goal : By 2020 all 50 states will reduce poverty by at least 50%.




Track state by state census data and track reduction in public assistance/safety net activity.




Produce an annual scorecard for each state and continue the public education campaign.

For more information on this goal contact : Julie Bunch, jbunch_taca@bellsouth.net

16

Topic 6. Social Capital: How can social capital be created or increased?

Goal : Engage low-income customers as EQUALS from beginning of planning process and have honest maximum feasible participation at local, state and national levels throughout planning and implementation.




Percent of people who are low-income participating in this national planning process



Percent of people who are low-income (not low-income representatives) on CAP and related association boards



Percent of people who are low-income participating in conferences




Equally fund participation of people who are low-income to levels of staff



Provide support and training/technical assistance to low-income people at the same level of staff

For more information on this goal contact : Lisa Stoddard, 208-746-2602. l.stoddard@acommunityactionpartnership.org

17


Goal : Expand maximum feasible participation to other organizations that affect the lives of people who are low-income (for example, other non profits, local zoning, etc.)




Percent of Low Income representation in membership and leadership of these organizations




Include requirements in government and other contracts



Congressional inclusion of people who are low income in decision making



Expand Walk a Mile to NPOs and local governments


18


Goal : Implement common and accurate education regarding historical systems discrimination that has promoted poverty and its remaining effect today.




State curriculum plans




Identify commonalities and assets as way to engage larger community in education as well as to offer a way through



Engage local and state education boards, and federal Department of Education



Promote critical thinking and the challenging of information provided in text books



Include curriculum that teaches about the reality of poverty, its effects, its cost in public education system

–possibly Bridges Out of Poverty, etc.


19


Goal : Engage larger community in the thriving of the entire community (change who we think of as members of our community)




Participation rates



Number of local plans to end poverty and percentage that include community engagement




Poverty Simulation



Bridges



Circles



Walk A Mile



Illustrate economic impact to community


20

Topic 7. Social Capital. How can social capital assist youth and ex-offenders, etc.?

Goal : Build effective multi-racial/ethnic coalitions that address structural inequalities, ineffective public policy and other barriers to opportunities for youth and ex-offenders.




50% increase in the number of regional multi-racial/ethnic coalitions across the nation breaking down barriers to opportunity for youth and ex-offenders.




Identify initial regions in the nation where this is most needed

 Locate racial/ethnic diverse members for the coalitions

 Involve those with political power in the coalitions

 Include policy makers

 Increase private sector involvement (e.g. training, mentoring, jobs)

 Increase the business and education sectors (including trade schools)

For more info on this goal contact : Patti Magruder, pmagruder@communityaction.org

21

Topic 8. Cultural Capital. How can we shape the American Dream so that it will work for everybody?

Goal : Create national, universal system for all people that ensures access to quality education and training.




Improvement in enrollment, academic performance, truancy and graduation rates in K-12 nationally.




Community action agencies advocate in a leadership role to mobilize local, state and national levels and across influential sectors.



Create strong, results oriented partnerships.

For more information on this goal contact : Jack Burch jburch@commaction.org

22


Goal : Create national, universal system for all people that ensures access to earning a livable wage and obtaining economic security.




Increase in number of states that adopt livable wage as minimum wage by 2016.




Communicate a clear, measurable definition of livable wage.



Mobilize on local, state and national levels and across influential sectors.





23


Goal : Create national, universal system to ensure access to universal healthcare coverage.




100% of Americans have healthcare coverage by 2016.




Mobilize on local, state and national levels and across influential sectors.





24


Goal : Eliminate structural racism.




Eliminate critical racial and ethnic disparities across all life areas and social indicators.




Create national will through increase in intergroup knowledge to promote intergroup understanding.



Develop and implement deliberate efforts to mitigate and eliminate intergroup conflict.



Review laws that undermine equal opportunity and respect.



Examination of all institutions across sectors regarding their internal dynamics that perpetuate institutional racism and challenge their moral responsibility.


25


Goal : Ensure maximum feasible participation of the Poor.




Increase representation of local, diverse residents on boards of institutions.



Develop a tool for agency self assessment.




Democratic Selection of Low-Income Representatives



Ensure that people live in the neighborhood they represent.



Every CAA implement self examination.


26


Goal : Set standard for community action agency to ensure achievement of performance, efficiency and results.




Participation of 1,000 community action agencies




Organizational self examination


27

Topic 9. Cultural Capital. What is the minimum quality of life, or the minimum safety net, and who is responsible for what parts of it?

Goal : Food: Every American will have access to adequate food and nutrition.




Number of qualifying families utilizing food stamps increase



Number of families will be food secure by 2020.




Outreach for food stamps and WIC



Collaborate with local farmers for fresh produce



Local food support networks



Nutrition education in schools



Tax system on food

For more information on this goal contact : Ann Graff, graffa@mvcaa.net

28


Goal : Shelter: Everyone living in America will have access to safe, secure, affordable housing.




Increased number of people owing their own home



Increased number of available rental units



Increased number of available housing vouchers



Decrease demand for emergency shelter/transitional housing




Landlord accountability



Asset building



Construction of affordable housing



Expansion of governmental tax credits/incentives


29


Goal : Everyone in America will have access to sufficient income to meet their basic needs (based on local economy)




Decrease in the number of families needing public/emergency assistance by

2020.



Increase the number of people with assets




Asset building programs/financial education programs



New jobs will be created



Employer based retirement plans



Micro-enterprise development


30


Goal : Everyone in America has access to affordable healthcare.




Decrease in the number of ER visits for non-emergency care by 2020



Increase in child immunization care by 2020

 Increase in “preventative” care by 2020



Decrease in infant/senior mortality



Increase in availability of health care services in rural areas



Increase in the number of people who have insurance




Incentives for doctors to practice in rural areas



National Insurance plan



Employer incentives to provide insurance for employee and dependents



Portability of insurance benefits


31


Goal : All people have access to quality education and/or training to meet basic needs

(self sufficiency).




Increase in number of high school graduates/GED recipients



Increase in number of post-secondary education graduates



Increase the number of training programs



Increase availability of scholarships

—academic and vocational




Increase scholarship availability



Increased funding for education/training



Employer incentives



Educational professional development



Training opportunities meet the needs of employment


32


Goal : All families have access to safe, affordable, quality care for dependants.




Decrease in number of children removed from home due to supervision issues



Decrease in number of elder abuse cases due to neglect



Increase number of available slots/providers for dependant care




Employer incentives to provide dependant care



Increase child care subsidies



Advocacy to increase public support for dependant care



Incentives for care providers


33


Goal : Everyone will have access to affordable, reliable, safe, environmentally friendly transportation and roadways.




Increase routes of public transportation



Decrease in missed work hours due to transportation issues



Increased transportation subsidies by employers




Subsidize purchase of energy efficient vehicles



Strategically locate public transportation routes



Rebuild the National Railroad system



Collaboration of existing transportation systems



Funding for car repair



Volunteer driver program



Incentives for employers to provide transportation programs


34


Goal : Everyone has access to a positive support network.




Increase mentoring programs



Increase community collaboration/partnerships



Increase membership of community/faith based associations, clubs, organizations, etc.




After-school programs



Circles [of support]



Habitat for Humanity



Leisure activities



Community Leadership Training


35

Topic 10. Financial Capital: (Rules about) How the economy operates internationally e.g., international trade, globalization

Goal : U.S. Trade policies benefit U.S. workers




Watchdog groups (WTO, ILO and others) with checklists of accountabilities



Need to be realistic estimates of global trade benefits




Trade policies require the paying of living wages and the incorporation of the true cost of labor.



Ensure countries employ human rights requirements (living wage, no child labor, etc.) if doing business in or with the U.S.



Pursue financial/trade agreements with countries that agree to: no exploitation, no child labor, paying a living wage, internalizing the true cost of labor.



Focus on accountability to workers and numbers of jobs created, rather than profits only.



Provide financial incentives for real job creation in the U.S.



Ensure that tax and other credits given to international companies doing business in U.S. are used for intended purposes



International companies doing business in U.S. must enhance the communities where they do business.



Give the International Labor Organization TEETH to raise standards



Work with non-compliant countries to effect policy



CAAs challenge international companies doing business in their communities to reflect these practices in other countries (and in the U.S.)

For more information on this goal contact : Denise Harlow, NYSCAA dharlow@nyscaaonline.org

36


Goal : ALL businesses doing business with the U.S. pay a living wage; both the U.S. and other counties in which they do business.




Wages paid compared to median incomes in the US and other countries



Contributions to local communities




UN Mandates



Developers are bound by inclusionary zoning rules affecting low-income communities


37


Goal : U.S. will be less dependent of foreign sources of oil and energy.




Import numbers for oil



Types of new energy sources created and the level of use of alternative energies



Use of oil, standard energies




Invest in renewable energies



Develop real conservation strategies

For more information on this goal contact : Denise Harlow, NYSCAA, dharlow@nyscaaonline.org

38


Goal : Best practices for local communities will be shared (imported/exported) across international boundaries.




Number of communities with whom the U.S. has established relationships



Movement of international and local communities along the continuum of poverty after practices are shared




Identify communities that share similarities with local U.S. communities



Expand the Adopt-a-city program



Convene international opportunities to share best practices



Utilize technology


39


Goal : Jobs will remain in the U.S. and not be outsourced





Work to increase benefits, wages, standard of living in other countries to make cost of doing business in U.S. more competitive.



Provide Tax credits for jobs created in the U.S. (real jobs)



Impose penalties/fees for jobs created in other countries


40


Goal : Population Growth will be decreased.




Birth rates




Education on birth control



Increase overall educational opportunities to all countries



Revise U.S. policy of birth control availability/access/funding in international agreements


41

Topic 10. Financial Capital: (Rules about) How the economy operates internationally e.g., international trade, globalization: World Bank and Other

International Players

Goal : International oversight organizations will better impose true oversight.




Election process



Loan process and outcomes transparency



Transparency monitored by UN or others




Leadership of the World Bank and other institutions will reflect democratically elected leadership that goes beyond US Control.



Policies of the World Bank will be monitored for loan recipients, loan purposes, forgiveness, decision making processes etc.



Such policies will be transparent.


42

Topic 10. Financial Capital: (Rules about) How the economy operates internationally e.g., international trade, globalization: Special Interest Groups

Goal : The practices of Special Interest Groups (beyond companies and governments) are fair, equitable, and comply with human rights.





Implement lobby reform


43

Topic 10. Financial Capital: (Rules about) How the economy operates internationally e.g., international trade, globalization: Immigration

Goal : Policy on immigration is fair and equitable.





Raise standard of living in other countries (via other recommendations of living wage, etc.) to decrease the desire to immigrate to U.S.


44

Topic 10. Financial Capital: (Rules about) How the economy operates internationally e.g., international trade, globalization: U.S. Workforce

Goal : U.S. employees will be prepared to work within the globalized economy.





Include the impact of globalization and the role of US workers in the globalized marketplace in job training provided by CAA and other workforce training programs.


45

Topic 10. Financial Capital: (Rules about) How the economy operates internationally e.g., international trade, globalization: Market for U.S. Goods

Goal : Increase markets for U.S. goods.





Exempt small businesses from trade policies/bans.


46

Topic 11. Financial Capital. (Rules about) How the economy operates domestically (work, wages and benefits)

Goal : Raise and index national minimum wage to a regional liveable wage.


 Passage of legislation “Living Wage Act”



Pass by 2009: number of people receiving living wage by 2014




Organize a campaign; develop consensus



March on Congress



Identify a political champion.



In the absence of a livable wage, Federal policies should subsidize wages

(EITC), housing (public housing and Section 8), medical care, and child care.

For more information on this goal contact : John Edwards, 904-398-7472, jedwards@nfcaa.org

47


Goal : Redefine poverty guidelines.




Congress redefines poverty measures




Organize campaign



Advocate with Congress



Identify a political champion.


48


Goal : All Americans have access to affordable, quality and timely healthcare




49


Goal : Tax, trade and economic policies support local economies: small business and entrepreneurship.




50


Goal : Asset and wealth development for low-income Americans





Financial literacy


51


Goal : A solvent, publicly-funded retirement system is complemented by employer pensions and personal savings




52

Topic 12. Natural Capital. How can natural capital be transformed into financial capital in ways that benefit low-income people and preserve natural resources?

Reducing Utility Costs

Goal : Energy Efficient Housing – all new residential housing green building




Utility usage reduced by 40% as compared to standard housing




National Model LEED standard



Passive solar



Insulation, siding



Hot water on demand



Energy Efficient appliances



Energy Efficient heating & cooling systems



Campaign to get utility companies to offer incentives

For more information on this goal contact : Sandy Baz 808-249-2990 sandy@meoinc.org

53


Reducing Utility Costs

Goal : Retrofit existing housing with energy saving measures.





Insulation & weatherization



Home heaters



Hot water on demand systems


54


Locally grown & naturally produced food

Goal : Farmer’s Markets fresh food & naturally produced food available to low income.


 Measure how many Food Stamps & WIC at Farmer’s Markets

 How many people transported to Farmer’s Markets

 How many food Coop’s



Data from farmers about local sales


 For WIC & Food Stamps allow $2 credit at Farmer’s Markets for each $1 value at grocery store

 Provide transportation to Farmer’s Markets

 Bring Farmer’s Markets to low income neighborhoods



Find grant money for microenterprise for Coop SHARE



Promote growing of food & providing to local grocery stores e.g., through NYS

Council on Food Policy formed by Gov. Spitzer


55


Transportation

Goal : Reduce transportation costs resulting in smaller proportion of low income family budget.




All families have access to viable transportation



Transportation share of budget smaller for families




National goal

– rebuild railroad system



Low income car ownership program

– good MPGs



Increase public transportation & quality



Promote national program Employers get 80% tax credit if buy for employees



Promote alternative fuels to fossil fuels, bio-diesel, ethanol fuels to fit regional situation


56


(Reducing Utility Costs)

Goal : Energy Efficient CFLs in homes.




Compare utility bills




Check grants to supply to clients



Change strategies for HEAP



Get utility companies to give rebates



Contest local CAAs to see whose light bills reduced the most post-CFLs


57


Incentives to Local Communities

Goal : Get communities to reduce energy use by 3%.




Public utilities measure reduction




Federal Programs for communities use for energy reduction



Create new program



Get businesses to support/underwrite



Advocacy local, state



Incentives to use renewable & alternative energy



County and/or city embrace goal



Statewide utility usage tiers lower for less use, next tier costs more per Kwh (e.g.,

CA)



Fuel surcharge on utility usage (e.g., Hawaii)


58


Provide Contact Natural World

Goal : Increase greenspace & accessibility low income




Increase percentage of greenspace in neighborhoods

 ¼ Brownfields reclaim for greenspace



Increase market value homes & businesses with addition of nearby greenspace




Community planning – low income housing areas provide more greenspace



Zoning to stop suburban sprawl



Berms on top of buildings



Reclaim brownfields as percentage greenspace



Community gardens for food pantries



Utilize median strips

– e.g., plant trees



Require greenspace in schools



Include in curriculum preservation of natural resources, value of greenspace


59


Alternative Energy

Goal : Provide jobs in area of regional alternative energy initiatives.




Job creation



Increased use of renewable & alternate energy uses



How many projects funded



How much energy returned to grid (e.g., by windmills)




Find funding, grants for various efforts – eg home heating systems, producing alternative fuels and energy



Resurrect old DOE demonstration funding



Carbon tax


60

Topic 13. Built Capital. How can economic development reduce poverty and promote economic security?

Goal : Bridge between business and community to create wealth for individuals and economic base of the community.



•

Participate in economic planning in community and region

•

Support workforce development and individual development

•

Support creation of micro-enterprises

•

Develop evaluation criteria

•

Develop cost/benefit analysis or (report card) new economic development (tax credits, enterprise and empowerment zones

For more information on this goal contact : Lorraine Daniels LPTDANIEL@aol.com

61

Topic 14: Built Capital. How can enough housing be produced?

Goal : To expand the capacity of CAPs to provide housing.




Number of new units




National Partnerships to include National institute of Architects, National

Homebuilders Association and the National Manufactured Home Association.



Refine & encourage homeownership programs with self-help on sweat equity components.



Homeownership programs (sweat equity/self-help programs)



Encourage technological innovation in prefabricated housing

For more information on this goal contact : Mary Ellen Therriault, Community

Concepts, 207-795-4065, mtherriault@community-concepts.org

; or Todd Lare, todd@sccap.monroe.in.us

62


Goal : Work to eliminate predatory lending.




Number of foreclosures


 Advocate for federal and state laws/regulations around lending which is predatory



Increase credit counseling, debt-reduction programs, foreclosure prevention

 Increase loan pools

 Educate & develop alternatives to payday loans/cash-n-go.




63


Goal : Ensure that all people live in safe housing.





Adopt minimum housing standards

–especially on the local level–housing codes.



Adopt accessibility standards



Work to increase coordination with other programs, like Weatherization & Owner

Occupied Rehab, to bring housing up to standards



Advocate for more funding on state & national levels



Encourage utility companies to provide funds, energy audit, encouraging conservation




64


Goal: Maintain or increase low income housing units




Number of existing units preserved (use HUD and USDA numbers)



Create one unit for every unit lost (at least one unit created for every unit lost)




Advocate for preservation with HUD & USDA and state, regional and local governments –incorporating into planning and zoning codes.



Encourage mixed neighborhood development –livable communities.



Advocate with state housing organizations and federal housing organizations to loosen regulations, allowing more people to be served –higher incomes while still low-income.



In communities, advocate for density integration (low income housing units vs. non-low income units) in the same development/neighborhoods.



Address the bureaucracy of HUD –lessen the administrative burden of programs.




65


Goal: Eliminate/reduce barriers to low income renters such as credit checks, background checks




Declining waiting lists



Declining homelessness (declining length of stay)




Department of Justice, State Department of Correction, and HUD need to work together to set aside funds to assist with prisoner re-integration and eliminate regulatory blocks to them obtaining housing.



Eliminate credit check requirement (or change criteria) so that medical debts and utility disconnections don’t eliminate from obtaining housing.



Work to encourage refitting existing housing to increase energy efficiency –

Weatherization, Owner Occupied Rehab “green” techniques.



Revise eligibility standards so that more can obtain housing –offenders, credit, more incomes.




66

Topic: 14 - Center for Community Futures

**The Official TRANSCRIPT of the Small Group Reports on May 31, 2007**

This is NOT the community action plan

See the next page for the overview of the plan development process

Acknowledgements and Overview

This is NOT the draft of the community action plan.

Related documents

Products

Support

Topic: 14 - Center for Community Futures

The Official TRANSCRIPT of the Small Group Reports on May 31, 2007

This is NOT the community action plan

See the next page for the overview of the plan development process

Acknowledgements and Overview

This is NOT the draft of the community action plan.

Related documents

Add this document to collection(s)

Add this document to saved

Suggest us how to improve StudyLib

**The Official TRANSCRIPT of the Small Group Reports on May 31, 2007**