News

The State of Black America

Annual Report on Socio-economic Conditions in Black America

The State of Black America is the annual Urban League report that addresses the issues central to Black America in the current year. The publication is a barometer of the conditions, experiences and opinions of Black America. It examines black progress in education, homeownership, entrepreneurship, health and other areas. The publication forecasts certain social and political trends and proposes solutions to the community's and America's most pressing challenges.

Published since 1976, The State of Black America is released each year during a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., at the Legislative Policy Conference.

March 2008

In the Black Woman's Voice

The 2008 edition of the State of Black America report is subtitled "In the Black Woman's Voice." As the subtitle suggests, the report provides the black female perspective of the challenges that currently confront women of color in America.

The 2008 State of Black America also presents the National Urban League's groundbreaking Opportunity Compact, a comprehensive set of principles and policy economic and social mainstream of this nation. The Compact is not only detailed The Opportunity Compact provides the framework for the 2008 edition, with several essays addressing the recommendations set out in the Compact.

"By uplifting black women, especially those struggling hardest to keep their families together and their dreams on track, we lift up every American community. I encourage you to read this year's edition of the State of Black America: In the Black Woman's Voice with special attention to the Opportunity Compact. Our country urgently needs a new vision to close the gaps between black and white Americans. The State of Black America and the Opportunity Compact will help guide the way."

-Marc H. Morial, National Urban League President & CEO

WINTER PARK, Fla. an internationally recognized ICMA Excellence Award winner (August 22, 2008) – The City of Winter Park provides a Housing Rehabilitation Program for city residents funded by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) of Winter Park and a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from Orange County. This program was developed to improve the health and safety of residents, promote vibrant communities and neighborhoods, and maintain the inventory of affordable housing in Winter Park while reducing displacement of low income families. Since 2002, the rehabilitation program has improved over 100 homes. The city estimates it will complete over 30 rehabilitation projects in the 2008/2009 fiscal year.

To better serve its residents, the city is currently developing an annual list of licensed and insured contractors that will be eligible to bid on all housing rehabilitation projects. Approved contractors will have the opportunity to bid on projects beginning Wednesday,

October 1, 2008. Individual project budgets range from $1,000 to $20,000 with typically one month allowed for completion of work. Only those contractors who complete the registration and selection process will be placed on the approved contractor list.

Contractors interested in applying for inclusion on the approved contractor list must complete the contractor application and attend the Contractor Orientation meeting on Thursday, September 18, at 3 p.m., in Room 200 at City Hall located at 401 Park Avenue South. The orientation will address specific details such as program goals, guidelines and work specifications. Additional questions will also be answered at that time.

To access the contractor application, as well as additional forms and documents associated with this program, please visit the City of Winter Park’s official Web site at www.cityofwinterpark.org and click on the “Housing Rehabilitation” link under the “What’s New” section on the home page. Deadline for applications is Thursday, September 25, at 4:30 p.m. However, applications may be submitted prior to the orientation meeting.

For more information regarding the City of Winter Park’s Housing Rehabilitation Program or to receive an application packet via mail, please call 407-599-3567 or e-mail pmoore@cityofwinterpark.org.