CNI - Overview

The Choice Neighborhoods Initiative was designed to transform distressed neighborhoods with public and assisted housing into viable and sustainable mixed-income neighborhoods. This is achieved by linking housing improvements with appropriate services, schools, public assets, transportation, and access to jobs. A strong emphasis is placed on local community planning for access to high-quality educational opportunities, including early childhood education. Choice Neighborhoods grants build upon the successes of public housing transformation under HOPE VI to provide support for the preservation and rehabilitation of public and HUD-assisted housing, within the context of a broader approach to concentrated poverty. In addition to public housing authorities, the initiative will involve local governments, non-profits, and for-profit developers in undertaking comprehensive local planning with residents and the community.

CNI is guided by the development and implementation of comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans—or transformation plans—focused on directing resources to address three core goals: Housing, People and Neighborhoods. The transformation plan will become the guiding document for the revitalization of the public and/or assisted housing units while simultaneously directing the transformation of the surrounding neighborhood and positive outcomes for families.