Paris Summit, April 28th, 2009
NBCC 17th Annual Conference, July 22-24, Washington DC
1. Board and Commission Opportunities: The White House is looking for recommendations of individuals to possibly serve on various independent boards and commissions. There is no guarantee of course. If you have a sincere interest please send your bio to halford@nationalbcc.org. We will not recommend anyone who is not financially affiliated with a local affiliate chapter or directly with the NBCC.
2. Telecommunications Committee: In response to the exciting Stimulus Bill, the NBCC has formed a Telecommunications Committee. Board Member Sherrie Gilchrist has been named the Chair of this important committee. The first task will be to organize an effort to place as much of the $8 Billion in grants designated for unserved and underserved communities. The first workshop by this committee will be held in Chattanooga, TN on May 8, 2009. Participation will be limited to chambers and communities of the Southeastern United States as this geography will be the subject of the event. Those wishing to reserve a seat in the room should contact cdebow@nationalbcc.org immediately. Congratulations Sherrie!
3. This Administration Talks It - “The Executive Branch shall distribute Recovery Act funds in accordance with: All anti-discrimination and equal opportunity statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders that apply to the expenditure of funds under Federal contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and other forms of Federal assistance. Grant-making agencies shall ensure that their recipients comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and any program-specific statutes with anti-discrimination requirements. Generally applicable civil rights laws also continue to apply, including (but not limited to) the Fair Housing Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Educational Opportunities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Uniform Relocation Act.” This is quoted from the guidelines for the Stimulus Bill, Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget.
And Walks It - “The recent enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009…and the increase in transportation contracting opportunities it will bring has heightened the urgency for Caltrans to reconsider implementing the DBE program requirements…For this fiscal year, Caltrans has only achieved 2.2 percent DBE participation on its construction contracts through December 31, 2008. We cannot afford any further delay by Caltrans in implementing DBE contract goals…Failure to implement this overall goal and contract goals set out in this letter could result in the imposition of sanctions authorized at 23 CFR 1.36, which may include withholding federal funds, withholding approval of projects, or such other action FHWA deems appropriate under the circumstances.” This is a quote from the Federal Highway Administration, US Department of Transportation to California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) about their racist and sexist ways which are about to change. How about that for muscles Gov. Arnold? Change we can believe in.
4. Section 3 of HUD Act Implementation – The HUD money for the Stimulus Bill has been appropriated and is coming down the pike. Let’s be sure that the job opportunities and business contracting opportunities don’t pass us by. You can find what monies your state and communities are receiving by visiting website www.hud.gov/recovery. Remember 30% of all new jobs are to go to people living 80% under the medium income level and 10% of the contracts should go to businesses who actively hire them. Is your community compliant with Section 3? Ask you mayor, city council, governor, public housing executive this: “Send copies of 1. The 5 Year Consolidated Plan. 2. Annual Action Plan. 3. Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report, AKA CAPER. 4. The 60002 Report that is included in the A-133 Audit for each grant ($500,000+) received last year.” If they can’t produce it then you know they are not in compliance and we can change that.
5. Mississippi Business and Procurement Opportunities Conference: Don’t miss this opportunity for doing business with the State of Mississippi and many of the major corporations located within the state during May 5 -6, 2009. For more details visit www.mscpc.com and click the conference link.
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