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➢ Chattanooga and Knoxville regions revitalized their urban cores; ➢ Birmingham region developed more affordable housing; ➢ Most regions realized reduced growth in vehicle miles traveled; ➢ All regions were able to more effectively use limited federal funds. Q. What does it take to become a member of the CONNECT Consortium? A. Organizations that join the Consortium will be asked to sign an agreement and commit to doing the following: • Share data on existing conditions and future plans (e.g. land use, transportation, utilities). • Appoint representatives to come to meetings and help guide and shape the CONNECT Our Future process. • Help shape a future framework and tools to meet your community needs. Tell us the challenges your community faces and what you need. • Get members of your community or organization to participate in public engagement throughout the process. There is no financial cost and the commitment for the $3 million in -kind match in local resources has already been made by a number of Consortium members. Any organization interested in joining the Consortium can schedule a brief presentation giving them an opportunity to learn more and consider a Consortium agreement. Q. Have other cities received a HUD Sustainable Communities grant? A. Yes. The grant awarded CCOG in November 2011 was one of 30 awarded nationwide as part of the 2011 Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This was only the second year HUD awarded the Sustainable Communities grants. Q. Will my small community's needs be overshadowed by larger communities if I attend a public engagement event? A. No, the process is being designed to make sure that does not happen. The public engagement meetings and activities will be held on a sub - regional level for local communities throughout the region. Q. Why do we need to collaborate to face our challenges? A. Many communities in this region currently face similar challenges, such as unemployment, housing needs, and a desire to attract and retain young people. By working together we can develop better solutions, align our strategies and resources, and build an even greater future for our own communities and our region. Q. Why should I get involved? How can I get involved? A. This is YOUR process. A collaborative success will occur only if businesses, governments, workforce, educators, non - profits, organizations and others work together on strategies for our future. You can: • Join the CONNECT Our Future Consortium — Schedule a meeting to learn more about joining the Consortium. • Participate in CONNECT Blueprinting Process Public Engagement — More than 80 events throughout the region; more details in the coming months. For more information contact: Sushil Nepal, CONNECT Our Future Project Manager, Centralina Council of Governments, (704) 372 -2416, snepal�centralina.org Attachment number 6 G -2 Page 320