Ogden is one of four Western cities that will be targeted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing rehabilitation and community and economic development.
Officials from HUD's regional office in Denver met with Mayor Scott Sneddon last week to formalize the agreement, described as a "special working relationship."Mike Chitwood, HUD regional administrator, said the agreement will provide the city with federal grant application assistance, a resource for urban renewal projects and help in participating in new HUD programs.
Ogden was chosen because of its size and cultural diversity, Chitwood said, adding that the city demonstrated its commitment to urban redevelopment.
Sneddon said that although the relationship does not directly bring federal grant money to Ogden, it offers the city an advocate in obtaining funds.
Cheyenne, Wyo.; Pueblo, Colo.; and a yet-to-be-determined city in the Denver metropolitan area also will participate in the program, Chitwood said.