Human and Economic Development

Support the Department of Human and Economic Development so that by July 2008 it becomes a driving force to reduce poverty by building the capacity of service providers and empowering individuals and neighborhoods to solve their problems; restructure HED to act beyond being a pass-through agency for federal funds.

The focus of this initiative is to encourage and help the Athens Clarke County Department of Human and Economic Development (HED) design and implement a comprehensive program that will secure the resources needed to enhance the services provided to disadvantaged communities. This initiative will reduce poverty because a revitalized HED will empower people and communities to overcome poverty and increase the capacity of service providers.

Progress Report

The Human and Economic Development Team has worked with the Department of Human and Economic Development to gain a richer understanding of its work. As a department of the unified government and administrator of federal funds for community needs, HED is in a unique position to provide resources to the community and provide community-feedback to the local government. Because of HED's complex role in answering to both the government and the community, the Team is still working to develop specific strategies that can meet the OneAthens HED initiative. The Team would like its recommendations to strengthen HED's ability to reduce poverty; build capacity of service providers; empower individuals and neighborhoods to solve their problems; and reduce dependence on federal funds through diversification and expansion of financial support for HED's efforts.