Camden gains 'Promise Zone' status to leverage federal aid

Camden was named one of eight new "Promise Zones" by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Tuesday, meaning the city will receive help in securing federal funding for revitalization efforts.

The Promise Zone program, initiated last year by President Obama's administration, is aimed at creating jobs, reducing crime, and improving schools. The program does not come with any immediate funding but asks communities to work with businesses and civic leaders to develop an improvement plan.

Philadelphia, which was selected as one of the first Promise Zones last year, has received more than $100 million in aid for planned initiatives, officials said.

Under the program, Camden will receive a competitive edge during the process of being evaluated for federal grants, among other benefits.

"This designation will provide key federal resources to jump-start efforts currently underway to grow jobs, improve public safety, and enhance education opportunities," said U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D., Camden), one of several local and state leaders who announced the news.

Other program participants named Tuesday are Hartford, Conn.; Indianapolis; Minneapolis; Sacramento, Calif.; St. Louis; the South Carolina Low Country; and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.