Bank Partners with University to Expand Blueprint Communities to Delaware

FHLBank Pittsburgh has joined with the University of Delaware’s Center for Community Research and Service to expand the Blueprint Communities revitalization initiative into Delaware. After successful launches in Pennsylvania in 2005 and West Virginia in 2007, the Delaware phase will offer as many as ten more communities the opportunity to receive free community development training valued at approximately $25,000.

“Expanding Blueprint Communities to Delaware will enable even more communities to take part in an initiative that's proven to be beneficial for helping local leaders make a real difference in their own backyards,” said Dave Buches of FHLBank Pittsburgh’s Community Investment Department. “Our partnership with the University of Delaware ensures the good work will continue for years to come.”

The initiative received 30 referrals of Delaware communities. An advisory committee comprised of various community investment partners will select participating communities in January 2008, following a proposal process. A grand kickoff event involving prominent Delaware leaders is slated for March.

Blueprint Communities helps cities, towns and neighborhoods develop stronger leaders, a clear community vision and a detailed strategic plan for sustainable community growth. As part of the Delaware initiative, each community team will receive initial benefits including:

• Six days of community revitalization training by the University of Delaware’s Center for Community Research and Service including materials, meals and lodging
• A community profile including important key indicators and trends for planning
• Access to a community development consultant for coaching and resources
• A mini-grant for technical assistance, project implementation or predevelopment needs after successful involvement in training
• Access to a network of funding sources upon successful completion of the program that may lead to more coordinated public and private investments.

“Each of the community planning teams will reflect the diversity of the community they represent,” said Dr. Steven Peuquet, director of the University of Delaware’s Center for Community Research and Service. “The teams will bring together a variety of stakeholders in each community, including residents, bankers, local government officials and developers, who will seek to collectively identify community needs and formulate feasible revitalization projects.”

In 2007, ten Blueprint Communities were selected in West Virginia. The West Virginia communities have completed the training program, and they are already beginning to show results. For example, the community of Mullens wrote and received two state grants to assist them on their progress. Shinnston has a committed group of leaders with a plan to leverage opportunities – and has already started work. The member bank in Salem identified a new Banking On Business (BOB) loan. Fairmont Southside has a complete inventory of all property in their district, including occupation and usage, with plans for a creative renaissance.

“What remarkable progress these communities have shown,” said FHLBank consultant Laura Kemp-Rye. “All of the communities are seeing intended results of expanded leadership and solid plans, which we expect will lead to greater investment opportunities. A huge congratulations goes to each of these teams and all of the member banks that call those communities home.”
Other members of the Delaware advisory committee include representatives of:

• Delaware Community Foundation
• Delaware Community Investment Corporation
• Delaware Community Legal Aid Society
• First State Community Action Agency
• First State Community Loan Fund
• State of Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination
• Delaware State Housing Authority
• United Way of Delaware
• Wachovia
• Wilmington Savings Fund Society
• Wilmington Trust
• Local FHLBank member financial institutions