ANALYSIS OF THE CITY OF BALTIMORE EMPOWERMENT ZONE
This paper analyzes functioning of the Baltimore Empowerment Zone and the empowerment zone concept. The findings of the analysis are presented within the context of the following structure:
Conceptualization of empowerment zone programs
Framework for designing/selecting an empowerment zone
Doing business in an empowerment zone
Implementing an Agency/Model for an empowerment zone
Setting goals for an empowerment zone program
Lessons That Can Be Learned from the Experiences of the Baltimore Empowerment Zone
Conceptualizing the Empowerment Zone
The Empowerment Zone Initiative offers residents and businesses the opportunities and resources to overcome what to them may appear to be insurmountable problems. Empowerment zones provide the guidance and management to revitalize communities, spur economic growth, and create jobs. According to the United States Department of Housing and urban Development (2005), "Employment opportunities for residents have expanded and support services including childcare, education, and healthcare have been strengthened, thus enabling residents of our nation's poorest communities to participate more fully in the workforce" (p. 1). The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (2005) contends that the secret of the success of empowerment is the cooperative efforts among residents of empowerment zones, public sector partners, and private sector partners.
In August 1993, the United States Congress authorized the 10-year Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community Program to help selected distressed communities develop comprehensive approaches for dealing with their social and economic problems. In December 1994, over 100 communities were designated as federal empowerment zones and enterprise communities.
In 1997, the United States Congress authorized the designation of 22 additional empowerment zones. In 2000, ...