CCP 11-28-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-- ------------ A range of factors -- economic, social and personal -- keep individuals living in poor economic . conditions. Those without basic life choices often lack the ability to improve their economic condition. They can become concentrated in areas where inadequate housing and job opportunities exist and their conditions are further worsened. This condition is worsened when some exhibit behaviors detrimental to the well being of themselves, their neighborhood and the Metropolitan area in general. PRINCIPLES The Urban Strategies Task: Force report is based on the following five principles: 1. It is the responsibility of governments at all levels to encourage problem solving through meaningful citizen involvement and to participate in a unified effort to provide: opportunities for people to be self sufficient and to live and work in safe, viable and diverse communities; choice in affordable housing and job opportunities; and a reduction in the concentration of poverty. 2. It is the role of government to actively support diversity within their communities. AMM agrees with the statement in the Citizen League's Committee on Housing Policy and Metropolitan Development conclusion that "policy makers must lead the way toward a new vision of community that includes tolerance of socio-economic and racial differences. " 3. Government must maximize the efficient use of public and private funds by planning . coordinated local, sub-regional and regional strategies to address issues. 4, Barriers to reducing concentrations of poverty, and therefore deteriorating neighborhoods, have developed over time as the result of geographic and social patterns, public policy and marlcet forces. These barriers can be social, economic, legislative, housing, racial or educational barriers. Although governments may not have intentionally created such barriers, the fact that governments have failed to address these barriers contributes to the problems seen today in areas with concentrations of poverty. Each community in the Metropolitan area should identify and address these existing barriers. 5. Government is one actor in addressing societal problems, Individuals, families, churches, businesses, associations and groups of all kinds have responsibilities to work: cooperatively with government, if appropriate, to address urban societal problems. [IIi] Urban Strategies Task Force Report 3 .