Representative Bud L. Williams, 11th Hampden District House Chair, Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion Congratulates the Springfield Recipients of the 2021 Urban Agenda Grant Program

The Baker-Polito Administration announced the recipients of the 2021 Urban Agenda Grant Program. “We are pleased that Springfield was among the recipients receiving $375,000 in total,” states Representative Bud L. Williams (11th Hampden District), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion. “Although 3 out of the 4 recipients are in my District, I want to recognize the due diligence of Springfield’s leadership. It is through our collaborative efforts and the strength of our constituents that we continue to fight for our community”. 

The Urban Agenda Grant Program is supported by operating monies in the annual budget and is a component of the new Community One Stop for Growth. “Make no mistake,” says Williams, “this is no small feat; this is a big win for Springfield! As I congratulate all the recipients, let it be known, that our work is not finished yet!” 

Springfield – Association of Black Business & Professionals – $100,000 

Pathways to Economic Resilience in the Black Community 2: Implementing Programs to Directly Address Disparities in Pandemic Recovery Assistance – The Association of Black Business and Professionals will partner with the City of Springfield and MassHire to implement a multifaceted plan to address the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 has had on Black small businesses, professionals, and Black and Latino students. The plan consists of 1) Competitive grants to Black small business owners 2) Internship stipends to Black and Latino students/recent grads aged 16-26 years old through collaboration with local businesses 3) providing educational workshops to businesses and professionals. 

Springfield – Economic Development Council of Western MA – $100,000 

2Gen/Whole Family Pathways to Careers and Home Ownership – Springfield WORKS (SW) will expand its 2Generation/Whole Family Approach to Careers program to low-income black and Hispanic families who receive housing subsidies under HUD Section 8 and who qualify for The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, an employment and savings incentive program. This 2Gen Pathways to Careers and Home Ownership program (“2Gen Pathways”) will align resources and strategies that connect Section 8 residents to career-directed skills training for “Opportunity Jobs,” defined as jobs that are available now, expected to grow, accessible without an advanced degree, and lead to a family-sustaining wage. FSS program partner, Home City Development, Inc. will establish an Escrow Account for each eligible family in accordance with HUD guidelines as a financial incentive for program participation. SW Partners will provide digital literacy, career readiness, job placement, financial wellness, goal setting, cliff effect mitigation, and EforAll entrepreneurship workshop. 

Springfield – Gasoline Alley Foundation – $75,000 

Gasoline Alley Redevelopment – The project is set to provide a food desert with local, fresh, and sustainable options and a knowledge base for future urban food production/manufacturing sites. This new business model is being implemented to meet the demands of consumers in the region; including low-income families that make up a good portion of the customer base by providing education on better foods, better practices of disposal, and helping them purchase affordable, healthier, and local food options. The model is intentionally set up to extend the life cycle of dollars spent in the local economy. 

Springfield – New North Citizens’ Council, Inc – $100,000 

Mano a la Obra! (Let’s Get Down to Work!) – New North Citizens’ Council (NNCC), a nonprofit neighborhood association located in Springfield will expand the Mano a la Obra (Let’s Get Down to Work!) that provides Latino residents of the North End neighborhood with targeted workforce development by augmenting our business technical assistance programming. NNCC will expand this workforce development program to help existing Latino-owned businesses in the North End to grow locally, expand into new markets and remain competitive in a marketplace that is coping with the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. In addition, Mano a la Obra program staff will work with North End entrepreneurs and start-ups to assist them in realizing the dream of owning a business.