On July 11, the Obama Administration announced the launch of Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2), a pilot initiative aimed at coordinating the resources of multiple federal agencies to strengthen the capacity of local governments and stimulate economic growth.  Six cities—Chester, PA, Cleveland, OH, Detroit, MI, Fresco, CA, Memphis, TN, and New Orleans, LA—have been chosen to participate in the pilot program.  Federal interagency teams will work with local governments, the private sector and other institutions to leverage federal dollars and support local economic and community development efforts.

In addition, through the SC2 Pilot Challenge, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will offer $1 million each to six cities—one in each of EDA’s six regions—to conduct a challenge competition to develop a blueprint for economic development for each city and region.  EDA invites public comments on the structure of the SC2 Pilot Challenge.  Comments are due August 10.  Additional information concerning the EDA request for comments is available here (http://www NULL.gpo NULL.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-07-11/pdf/2011-17319 NULL.pdf).   Additional information concerning SC2 is available here (http://www NULL.whitehouse NULL.gov/the-press-office/2011/07/11/obama-administration-launches-strong-cities-strong-communities-support-l).