Community developer and urban activist Robert D. Lupton looks to the Old Testament example of Nehemiah as a role model for community transformation and renewal.

Beginning in 1993 and in subsequent legislation in 1997, 1999, and 2000, Congress established the Empowerment Zone (EZ), Enterprise Community (EC), and Renewal Community (RC) programs to reduce unemployment and generate economic growth in selected Census tracts. Urban and rural communities received grants, tax incentives, or a combination of both to stimulate community development and business activity. A report to Congress was mandated on the EZ, EC, and RC programs and their effect on poverty, unemployment, and economic growth in designated program areas. The first two mandated reports were issued in 2004 and 2006. This report makes available info. provided in a briefing to Congress on Jan. 29, 2010. Illus.