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.

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nctions. The functioning of a system, in turn, determines the classification of a system (Jaros, 2000). The lowest level in the systems hierarchy within the context of system function is the static system. Representations of these static structures are similar to maps. The next higher level in the systems hierarchy within the context of system function is the dynamic system. Dynamic systems are static systems that change over time. The third level in the systems hierarchy within the context of system function is the explanatory system. Where both static and dynamic systems describe patterns in space and time, explanatory systems go farther and explain these patterns (Boulding, 1985). The lowest system hierarchical level within the context of system complexity is the mechanical system. In mechanical systems, the change in system state is "guided by constant and relatively simple parameters" (Boulding, 1985, p. 18). The next system hierarchical level within the context of system complexity is the cybernetic system. A cybernetic system is one in which system equilibrium is maintained as a function of negative feedback. Thus, cybernetic systems contain three essential elements: a receptor, a transmitter, and an effector.
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 6529
Approximate Pages = 26 (250 words per page)