The Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities (EZ/EC)
is a Presidential initiative designed to afford communities real opportunities for growth and revitalization.
Its mission: To create self sustaining, long-term economic development in areas of pervasive poverty,
unemployment, and general distress, and to demonstrate how distressed communities can achieve self
sufficiency through innovative and comprehensive. strategic plans developed and implemented by alliances
among private, public, and nonprofit entities

Economic Opportunity
A diverse economic base is needed in a community for residents to attain self-sufficiency. The key to this
level of economic opportunity in low-income communities is ownership and control of businesses that
employ neighborhood residents.

The economic base that Philadelphians and residents of Camden envision relies on capital that is readily
available for expansion and growth of new businesses and credit that is accessible to meet residents' needs.
Residents envision institutions, large and small, making investments in the community that will not dissipate
among the few, but circulate for the benefit of all.

Sustainable Community Development
Residents see their communities as places where caring, supportive people and structures meet needs and
solve problems. What is envisioned are individuals who support themselves and their families through training,
acquiring skills and taking advantage of opportunities. They envision beautiful communities where the quality
of life draws homeowners who rebuild and maintain the neighborhood block-by-block as a safe, vibrant place.

Appropriate education and training that leads to permanent, financially rewarding employment is envisioned by
all residents. This includes restructured community-controlled schools that are nurturing and safe for students.
Life-long learning and problem-solving skills are integrated in programs to better prepare residents for the
demands of the workplace and home. Community-based services are geared to assist residents in developing
healthy bodies and minds. Residents envision the environment free of unhealthy influences.