Congressman Burgess Says Third Annual Renaissance Communities Economic Development Summit Is A Success

Press Release

Congressman Burgess Says Third Annual Renaissance Communities Economic Development Summit Is A Success

For the third consecutive year, Congressman Michael Burgess (R-Lewisville) hosted an economic development event aimed at focusing efforts towards revitalizing the Southeast Tarrant County communities in the 26th Congressional District of Texas. Co-hosted by Public Forum Institute (PFI), this year's event was widely-attended by area elected officials, business leaders, and concerned citizens all with the same goal in mind: re-development of the "Renaissance Communities."

"In 2004, when these communities were added to the 26th District as a result of redistricting, I made contact with the City of Fort Worth to better understand the area," said Congressman Burgess. "The Mayor, City Council Members and I loaded onto a bus and I received a first-hand view."

"Coming from a district composed primarily of established suburbs in Northeast Tarrant County and the fast-growth suburbs of Denton and Collin Counties, it was almost overwhelming to see the challenges that existed in these urban communities that had obviously been forgotten for decades as the surrounding communities flourished."

Elected officials attending the two-day event included Congressman Michael Burgess, State Senator Kim Brimer, State Representative Marc Veasey, Mayor Moncrief, Fort Worth Councilmen Frank Moss and Danny Scarth, and Tarrant County Commissioner Roy Brooks.

Highlights from this year's Summit include presentations and discussions focused on:

* Transportation
* Workforce development through business and education
* Comprehensive economic development
* Ways to attract residential and commercial investment in the area
* The importance of a skilled workforce
* Greater investments in the education sector

The two-day event included a Federal Job Fair on Friday, September 21, 2007, which was open to the public, as well as a Faith-Based and Community Organization Workshop, also on Friday and also open to the public.

The first Summit was held in Congressman Burgess' first year of representing this new addition to the 26th District in 2005 as he sought a means to address the significant gap between the growth rates in certain areas of his district. Recognizing the problem was only the first step, though, and striving to come up with alternative methods of dealing with these issues brought to life the idea of an economic development summit.

Past Summits have helped recognize problems in the areas of education, employment and economic development in the Southeast Tarrant County Renaissance Communities. In the past three years, projects initiated have included:

* More than 70 new homes in Sierra Vista
* Plans for neighborhood community revitalization projects such as the Fort Worth Urban Villages, including Poly/Wesleyan, Oakland Corners, Stop Six and others
* The recent announcement of the 240,000 sq. ft. Veterans Affairs Clinic to be built on the Tarrant County Resource Connection property.

Congressman Burgess also continues to work closely with the county to address the health challenges unique to the area and to secure funds for at least one new federally-funded clinic in Southeast Fort Worth.

Challenges lie in continuing to draw attention to this area and its needs. Obstacles expect to be met along the way, but partnerships with others to ensure that the improvements are long-lasting and sustainable are a key component to success, according to Congressman Burgess.

Congressman Burgess has been involved in meetings with educators that have identified shortfalls that exist, but have also identified ways that to help overcome these challenges. One example involves using creative solutions targeted at bringing an Advanced Technology Center to the youth of the Renaissance Communities.

"Through these efforts, the communities are making progress to stabilize an environment where families and businesses can take root, grow and thrive. It hasn't been an easy process," said Congressman Burgess. "But I am acutely aware that if it was easy it would have already been accomplished and in the relatively short period of time I'm encouraged by the initial steps."

"They are slow relative to the expectations in other parts of my district, but will likely have an even greater meaning to these communities who have watched decades pass with little progress."

To view the full Summary Report put together by PFI, including a list of special guests and keynote speakers and a full list of the event's sponsors, visit their website at http://www.publicforuminstitute.org/.

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