CitiesFirst® Q&A

What is CitiesFirst?
CitiesFirst® is a public/private partnership designed to transform and rebuild cities, help shape federal urban policy, promote urban renewal and bring people and commerce back to the heart of cities.

Who is involved in CitiesFirst?
CitiesFirst is a public/private partnership comprised of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) and Nehemiah Corporation of America. Their combined efforts, together with that of local leaders, represents a commitment ensuring that cities are vibrant centers of commerce while providing economic opportunity for all individuals.

What is the United States Conference of Mayors?
The USCM is an official non-partisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more that focuses on the development and implementation of national urban policies impacting the sustainable development and growth of cities across the United States.

What is Nehemiah Corporation of America?
Nehemiah Corporation of America is one of the largest national nonprofit charitable housing and community development organizations. Nehemiah serves as a catalyst for urban wealth creation and economic empowerment by its direct provision of home ownership, affordable housing and by providing support to other faith-based and community-based organizations. Nehemiah administers a host of community revitalization and affordable housing programs in neighborhoods across the country.

Why was CitiesFirst created?
All hardworking Americans deserve access to affordable housing and home ownership in safe, active, and thriving communities. However, despite the millions of federal dollars set aside for affordable housing and community development, reasonably priced housing in safe, vibrant communities remains scarce across the country. Without substantial economic assistance, the American dream of home ownership will vanish for countless Americans who have decent jobs and credit, but cannot afford to save up a down payment for a home.

CitiesFirst® is a public/private partnership that presents a viable solution to this ongoing problem. Through resources available from federal and local government agencies and the working expertise of Nehemiah, the nation's leader in affordable housing and community revitalization, America’s cities can finally enter a long-overdue era of rebirth.

What kinds of programs and services will CitiesFirst make available to cities?
CitiesFirst, under the direction of the United States Conference of Mayors, will generate awareness of the various Nehemiah programs and their goals including:

The Nehemiah Program® - giving free downpayment assistance to home buyers making the possibility of home ownership available to middle-income buyers

Nehemiah Community Reinvestment Fund™ - creating innovative tools for investors and communities to succeed

Nehemiah Community Foundation™ - providing grants to other community-based organizations

How do other government agencies, organizations or industry leaders participate in CitiesFirst?
CitiesFirst is successful due to the collaborative efforts of many groups working toward the common goal of rebuilding America’s cities from the inside out through affordable housing options and community revitalization. CitiesFirst hosts roundtable discussions in targeted cities, bringing together local government, business and community leaders, organizations and members of the lending and financial community to discuss and implement strategies to develop and rebuild our cities.

What does it cost to participate in CitiesFirst?
Communities that participate in CitiesFirst do not bear any of the costs of the program.

Is CitiesFirst a government-funded program?
CitiesFirst is a public/private partnership between the United States Conference of Mayors and Nehemiah Corporation, and does not receive any funding from the government.

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