Resolution 000066

..Title Authorizing the Legislative Oversight Committee to hold public hearings on the administration and accountability of the City Empowerment Zones. ..Body WHEREAS, The Philadelphia-Camden Empowerment Zone was established to increase business and economic opportunities for impoverished areas in Philadelphia and Camden; and WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia received $79 million dollars in federal funds for economic and business development in three impoverished neighborhoods in the City of Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, To date, there has been little evidence of any productive steps forward in the Empowerment Zone areas despite the expenditure of several million dollars; and WHEREAS, A lack of supervision and control over the administration and development of the stated business and economic goals for these embattled areas has resulted in many delays and the future of many of these projects are now in doubt; and WHEREAS, Certain questions continue to be raised about the effectiveness of the administration of the Empowerment Zone funds are being spent in a responsible manner; now therefore RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That authority be given to the Legislative Oversight Committee to hold public hearings on the administration and accountability of the City Empowerment Zones.