Reps. Bass and Roybal-Allard Issue Statement on LA Trade-Tech Not Being Selected as a Promise Zone
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We are disappointed that the Department of Housing and Urban Development did not select Los Angeles Trade-Technical College’s ‘Promise Zone’ application for South Los Angeles. The LA Trade-Tech Promise Zone application was unique: it was the only application submitted by a community college, and it would have brought substantial economic benefits to an area with a 12 percent unemployment rate and an aggregate poverty rate nearing 50 percent.
We commend Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price and Los Angeles Trade-Technical College President Larry Frank for their leadership in submitting this superb application and in putting together a strong coalition of partners, including area businesses and nonprofits, Mayor Eric Garcetti, the Los Angeles City Council, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. As the two Members of Congress who represent the South LA area seeking Promise Zone status, we were proud to partner with them in this effort. Our coalition represents South Los Angeles at its very best, and we are committed to continuing our work to improve South LA despite HUD’s decision today.
As Members of Congress, we will keep fighting to ensure that South Los Angeles receives the federal resources it deserves. We have also invited HUD Secretary Julián Castro to join us for a tour of South LA. We want him to talk with South LA business owners, community leaders, and local and state government officials about how HUD can help address the community’s economic challenges and move South LA toward a brighter, more prosperous future.
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