Reviewed by: Audrey Johnson
Alabama A&M receives new $300K donation to support disadvantaged communities
Alabama A&M University received some good news recently in the form of a $300,000 donation to support disadvantaged communities through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Thriving Communities Technical Assistance (TCTA) program.
The Urban Planning faculty at AAMU will work with the TCTA program with these resources.
Alabama A&M + TCTA
The TCTA program is an important element of the federal government’s efforts to promote the development of affordable housing, planning for equitable transportation and critical infrastructure improvements in disadvantaged communities. These initiatives are possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, American Rescue Plan and annual appropriations to various cabinet agencies.
“HUD is proud to have Historically Black Colleges and Universities involved in the Thriving Communities Technical Assistance program. Since they were founded, HBCUs have been known for being economic anchors in their communities. It’s important to partner with them to develop and revitalize neighborhoods and expand opportunities for underserved communities.”
Solomon J. Greene, HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research
Who’s behind the effort at AAMU
Dr. Jordan Yin and Dr. Florina Dutt — assistant professors at Alabama A&M’s Department of Regional and Community Planning — and alumna Patrice Ruffin-Dowdell will lead AAMU’s involvement to provide technical assistance to two of the first four communities selected by HUD for assistance.
Ruffin-Dowdell earned her Master of Urban Regional Planning at AAMU in 2004 and is a certified planner, municipal administrator and attorney.
Yin and Dutt were recently invited to the Thriving Communities Network Convening at HUD headquarters in Washington, D.C. that brought together more than 120 representatives from federal agencies, consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and universities that provide technical assistance to communities across the U.S.
“This event was an important opportunity to meet with colleagues throughout the U.S. working to make the most of federal programs and policies intended to uplift disadvantaged communities.”
Dr. Jordan Yin, AAMU
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