Application Deadline for Cities Is July 23 

 
The challenge will start with the competitive selection of six cities, one in each of EDA’s regions. Each of the winners will receive up to $1 million to conduct their own two-phase competitions. In the first phase, winning cities will encourage teams of experts in such fields as transportation planning, economic and community development, business incubation, and engineering to submit economic development proposals for their city or region. The highest-rated proposals, as evaluated by a city-appointed review panel, will receive cash awards. In the second phase, the finalists from the first round will compete for a cash prize by developing comprehensive economic development plans.
 
The competition is a critical pillar of the Obama Administration’s Strong Cities, Strong Communities Initiative, which is working to connect government resources directly with communities to create jobs, improve the business climate, and address local and regional challenges.

The application deadline for cities wishing to be considered is July 23.