Posted by Heidi Schwartz

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and White House Intergovernmental Affairs Director David Agnew will announce the launch of the National Resource Network (NRN), a pilot program designed to serve as a “311 for Cities.” The program will allow city officials access to best practices and advice from national experts on community development, economic development, operations, budget and other key issues.  The NRN will help cities address these challenges through on-the-ground expert visits and technical assistance, among other services.

The NRN pilot will offer immediate assistance to over 50 cities through the 311 service, as well as on-the-ground engagement in at least 10 cities, including: Compton, CA; Lynwood, CA; Fall River, MA; Kansas City, KS; and Miami, FL. The National Resource Network was created out of demand from cities around the country to have access to experts and information that can help them address the mounting challenges of growing inequality, high unemployment, under-performing schools, aging infrastructure and vacant and blighted properties.

The NRN is a three-year, $10 million technical assistance program funded by HUD and being implemented by a group of leading experts from the public and private sectors, including Enterprise Community Partners, Public Financial Management, HR&A Advisors, New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and the International City/County Management Association.