Summary: Community Regeneration, Sustainability, and Innovation Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a demonstration program, under multiyear cooperative agreements with local governments experiencing at least 20% population loss since 1970 (or consortia of them), to encourage and test innovative vacant property reclamation and urban infrastructure renewal strategies in older industrial cities, their suburbs, and metropolitan areas with a history of severe population and employment loss, blight, and decay caused by vacant properties. Specifies as vacant property and program capacity activities establishment of: (1) local or regional land banks; (2) recovered building materials reuse and recycling infrastructure, facilities, and technical support; (3) local government purchasing requirements for deconstruction to make use of existing building materials stock in new and rehabilitation construction; and (4) the ability of state and local courts and administrative agencies to address problems caused by vacant and abandoned properties, and to facilitate their transfer to public control under a local or regional land bank. Enumerates other related activities, including: (1) expansion and improvement of code enforcement capabilities; (2) development of data and information systems such as comprehensive real property systems, early warning systems, and vacant property inventory and tracking systems; and (3) amendment or reform of state and local property tax foreclosure procedures. Specifies stabilization, design, development, reuse, and planning and policy innovation activities. Requires an applicant local government or consortium to establish a regeneration plan for the community or region. Directs the Secretary by regulation to provide for citizen participation requirements relating to the development and implementation of such plans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to local governments (and consortia of them) for sustainability demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary to convene a Federal Interagency Regeneration Communities Coordinating Council to develop federal agency support plans for communities receiving such grants.

community regeneration sustainability innovation_act directs secretary housing_and_urban_development hud carry demonstration program multiyear cooperative agreements local governments experiencing population loss consortia encourage test innovative vacant property reclamation urban infrastructure renewal strategies older industrial cities metropolitan areas history severe population employment loss decay caused vacant properties specifies vacant property program capacity activities establishment local regional land banks recovered building materials reuse recycling infrastructure facilities technical support local government purchasing requirements use existing building materials stock new rehabilitation construction ability state local courts administrative agencies address problems caused vacant abandoned properties facilitate transfer public control local regional land bank enumerates related activities including expansion improvement code enforcement capabilities development data information systems comprehensive real property systems early warning systems vacant property inventory tracking systems amendment reform state local property tax foreclosure procedures specifies stabilization design development reuse planning policy innovation activities requires applicant local government consortium establish regeneration plan community region directs secretary regulation provide citizen participation requirements relating development implementation plans authorizes secretary grants local governments consortia sustainability demonstration projects directs secretary convene develop federal agency support plans communities receiving grants


Summary: Empowerment Zone, Renewal Community and Enterprise Community Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax-preferred empowerment zones, rural enterprise communities, and renewal communities to: (1) extend the period of designation for such areas through 2015; (2) provide a safe harbor standard for employee residency requirements in empowerment zones; (3) eliminate certain residency requirements for the empowerment zone employment tax credit; (4) grant authority to expand the boundaries of empowerment zones and enterprise communities, including those located in rural areas; (5) allow carryovers of unused expensing allowances for enterprise zone businesses; (6) allow certain empowerment zone businesses to elect to receive payments in lieu of tax benefits; (7) allow federal guarantees and tax exemptions for enterprise zones and renewal communities; and (8) allow the issuance of tax-exempt rural enterprise community bonds and empowerment zone facility bonds.

empowerment zone enhancement act code provisions relating tax preferred empowerment zones rural enterprise communities renewal communities extend period designation areas provide safe harbor standard employee residency requirements empowerment zones eliminate certain residency requirements empowerment zone employment tax credit grant authority expand boundaries empowerment zones enterprise communities including located rural areas allow carryovers unused expensing allowances enterprise zone businesses allow certain empowerment zone businesses elect receive payments lieu tax benefits allow federal guarantees tax exemptions enterprise zones renewal communities allow issuance tax exempt rural enterprise community bonds empowerment zone facility bonds


Summary: Revitalizing Cities Through Parks Enhancement Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants to qualified community organizations to develop as open space municipally owned vacant lots in urban areas.

revitalizing cities parks enhancement act directs secretary housing_and_urban_development hud grants qualified community organizations develop open space municipally owned vacant lots urban areas


Summary: Cluster-Based Economy Enhancement Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make block grants to a state or local government, an institution of higher education, or a nonprofit economic development organization to: (1) assess the potential for the development or enhancement of business clusters (geographic concentrations of business entities that are competing, complementary, or interdependent firms and industries, that do business with one another, and that have common needs for talent, technology, and infrastructure); (2) establish cluster development programs in specified regions of the United States; and (3) promote cluster development programs in such regions and support the staff who operate such programs. Permits a recipient of grant funds to use the funds to provide assistance for startup costs, worker training, relocation costs, planning, and other projects identified by the recipient that are consistent with the purposes of this Act. Limits: (1) the federal share of the cost of projects carried out using funds authorized by this Act to 50%; and (2) the portion of the non-federal share of project costs that may be provided through in-kind contributions to 50%.

amends public_works_and_economic_development_act authorize secretary commerce block grants state local government institution higher education nonprofit economic development organization assess potential development enhancement business clusters geographic concentrations business entities competing complementary interdependent firms industries business common needs talent technology infrastructure establish cluster development programs specified regions united_states promote cluster development programs regions support staff operate programs permits recipient grant funds use funds provide assistance startup costs worker training relocation costs planning projects identified recipient consistent purposes act limits federal share cost projects carried funds authorized act portion non federal share project costs provided kind contributions


Summary: Main Street Manufacturing Communities Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to revise the economic adjustment assistance grant program. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) waive the requirement that a manufacturing area suffering from severe unemployment or severe changes in economic conditions have a comprehensive economic develop strategy prior to a request for a grant for a project to alleviate such special need, provided it has a streamlined economic development strategy plan approved by the Governor; and (2) provide assistance to alleviate economic dislocation in a manufacturing area regardless of whether it was sudden or arose more than 24 months before the filing for a grant. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Labor to award national emergency grants to an eligible entity to provide employment and training assistance to manufacturing workers who lost employment due to a plant closure, or mass layoff, or experienced a change in employment status due to a plant shutdown, at a single employment site for 50 or more workers. Allows the use of such a grant to provide a job search allowance and a relocation allowance of up to $1,250 each, as well as needs-related payments to an eligible manufacturing worker. Revises energy efficiency and renewable energy worker training program eligibility requirements. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) award advanced training partnership grants to eligible institutions of higher education for the design, engineering, manufacture, or supply of equipment for new technologically advanced, energy efficient, and renewable fuel powered motor vehicles; and (2) provide other services to upgrade the skills of automobile industry workers (including equipment supply industry workers) to manufacture such vehicles.

amends public_works_and_economic_development_act revise economic adjustment assistance grant program authorizes secretary commerce waive requirement manufacturing area suffering severe unemployment severe changes economic conditions comprehensive economic develop strategy prior request grant project alleviate special need provided streamlined economic development strategy plan approved governor provide assistance alleviate economic manufacturing area regardless sudden arose months filing grant amends workforce investment act authorize secretary labor award national emergency grants eligible entity provide employment training assistance manufacturing workers lost employment plant closure mass layoff experienced change employment status plant shutdown single employment site workers allows use grant provide job search allowance relocation allowance needs related payments eligible manufacturing worker revises energy efficiency renewable energy worker training program eligibility requirements directs secretary labor award advanced training partnership grants eligible institutions higher education design engineering manufacture supply equipment new technologically advanced energy efficient renewable fuel powered motor vehicles provide services upgrade skills automobile industry workers including equipment supply industry workers manufacture vehicles


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the building rehabilitation tax credit to: (1) allow an increased 30% credit for projects involving $7.5 million or less in rehabilitation expenditures; (2) allow rehabilitated buildings used for lodging to qualify for such credit; (3) establish a 50-year placed-in-service requirement for non-historic rehabilitated buildings; (4) allow such credit for certain tax-exempt use property; (5) provide for the transferability of such credit; (6) increase the energy efficiency tax credit allowed to rehabilitated buildings; and (7) exempt from taxation refunds attributable to state historic tax credits.

amends internal revenue code relating building rehabilitation tax credit allow increased credit projects involving million rehabilitation expenditures allow rehabilitated buildings lodging qualify credit establish year placed service requirement non historic rehabilitated buildings allow credit certain tax exempt use property provide transferability credit increase energy efficiency tax credit allowed rehabilitated buildings exempt taxation refunds attributable state historic tax credits


Summary: Sustainable Urban Development Act of 2010 - Directs the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop a strategy to foster sustainable urban development in developing countries that updates the Making Cities Work Urban Strategy. Requires such strategy to: (1) review U.S. foreign assistance strategy and programs; (2) assess the feasibility of establishing a USAID senior advisor for urban sustainable development; (3) evaluate options to leverage private sector partnerships; (4) support U.S. government collaboration with other donors; (5) assess the feasibility of establishing a pilot urban strategies initiative; and (6) analyze approaches to improve environmental sustainability in urban areas.

sustainable urban development act directs administrator united_states_agency international_development usaid develop strategy foster sustainable urban development developing countries updates making cities work urban strategy requires strategy review foreign assistance strategy programs assess feasibility establishing usaid senior advisor urban sustainable development evaluate options leverage private sector partnerships support government collaboration donors assess feasibility establishing pilot urban strategies initiative analyze approaches improve environmental sustainability urban areas


Summary: Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make competitive grants to local governments, public housing agencies (PHAs), community development corporations, assisted housing owners, and other for-profit and nonprofit entities to implement transformational programs in eligible neighborhoods with a concentration of extreme poverty, severely distressed housing, and a potential for long-term viability, once certain key problems are addressed. Requires such programs to include neighborhoods with characteristics such as proximity to educational institutions, medical centers, central business districts, major employers, effective transportation alternatives (including public transit, walking, and bicycling), and low poverty neighborhoods. Prohibits the use of such grants for construction or rehabilitation of a K-12 school building or a higher educational institution. Limits the use of grants for certain non-housing activities and supportive services. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such limitations. Exempts from specified requirements of the United States Housing Act of 1937 the demolition and disposition of severely distressed public and assisted housing pursuant to a transformation plan.

choice neighborhoods initiative act requires secretary housing_and_urban_development hud competitive grants local governments public housing agencies phas community development corporations assisted housing owners profit nonprofit entities implement transformational programs eligible neighborhoods concentration extreme poverty severely distressed housing potential long term viability certain key problems addressed requires programs include neighborhoods characteristics proximity educational institutions medical centers central business districts major employers effective transportation alternatives including public transit walking bicycling low poverty neighborhoods prohibits use grants construction rehabilitation k-12 school building higher educational institution limits use grants certain non housing activities supportive services authorizes secretary waive limitations exempts specified requirements united_states housing act demolition disposition severely distressed public assisted housing pursuant transformation plan


Summary: Urban Jobs Act of 2011 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the National Urban League to operate, through local affiliates, an Urban Jobs Program to provide job training, education, and support services and activities for eligible young adults to prepare them for entry into the workforce. Defines "eligible young adults" as individuals ages 18 to 24 who: (1) are not enrolled in secondary or post-secondary school, or (2) are or have been subject to the criminal justice process. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Jobs Council Advisory Committee. Expresses the sense of Congress that National Urban League affiliates should establish local jobs council advisory committees to aid in establishing local community support for local implementation of the program.

urban jobs act amends workforce investment act authorize secretary labor grants operate local affiliates provide job training education support services activities eligible young adults prepare entry workforce defines eligible young adults individuals ages enrolled secondary post secondary school subject criminal justice process directs secretary establish expresses sense congress affiliates establish local jobs council advisory committees aid establishing local community support local implementation program


Summary: Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to promulgate regulations establishing an urban revitalization and livable communities program to provide federal grants to eligible local governments for various park and recreation purposes, including grants for rehabilitation and construction, innovation, at-risk youth recreation, and recovery action programs. Authorizes the Secretary to authorize local governments not meeting program eligibility requirements required to be established in standard metropolitan statistical areas to receive up to a specified portion of such grants, if such a government applies for a partial eligibility waiver. Authorizes the Secretary, upon approval of an application by the chief executive of an eligible applicant, to provide 70% matching rehabilitation and construction, innovation, and at-risk youth recreation grants directly to such applicant. Allows a recipient, at its discretion, to transfer a grant in whole or in part to private nonprofit agencies for recreational areas and facilities they own or operate which offer recreational opportunities to the general population. Requires an applicant, for project approval, to submit to the Secretary evidence of its commitment to ongoing planning, rehabilitation, service, operation, and maintenance programs for its park and recreation systems, expressed in a five-year local park and recreation recovery action program. Requires an eligible applicant for an at-risk youth recreation grant to include in its five-year program the goal of, and implementation strategies for, reducing crime and juvenile delinquency. Authorizes the Secretary to increase all grants to a state under this Act by up to 15% (but not more than 85%) of total project or program cost. Prohibits the conversion of any property improved or developed with assistance under this Act, without HUD approval, for uses other than for public recreation. Limits to 10% the use of funds appropriated for rehabilitation and construction grants for acquisition of land or interests in land.

urban revitalization livable communities act requires secretary housing_and_urban_development hud promulgate regulations establishing urban revitalization livable communities program provide federal grants eligible local governments park recreation purposes including grants rehabilitation construction innovation risk youth recreation recovery action programs authorizes secretary authorize local governments meeting program eligibility requirements required established standard metropolitan statistical areas receive specified portion grants government applies partial eligibility waiver authorizes secretary approval application chief executive eligible applicant provide matching rehabilitation construction innovation risk youth recreation grants directly applicant allows recipient discretion transfer grant private nonprofit agencies recreational areas facilities operate offer recreational opportunities general population requires applicant project approval submit secretary evidence commitment ongoing planning rehabilitation service operation maintenance programs park recreation systems expressed year local park recreation recovery action program requires eligible applicant risk youth recreation grant include year program goal implementation strategies reducing crime juvenile delinquency authorizes secretary increase grants state act total project program cost prohibits conversion property improved developed assistance act hud approval uses public recreation limits use funds appropriated rehabilitation construction grants acquisition land interests land


Summary: Directs each Secretary of the military department concerned to: (1) establish procedures to implement flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) for military health care and dependent care for active-duty military personnel on a pre-tax basis; and (2) consider life events of members of the Armed Forces that are unique to them, including changes relating to permanent changes of duty station and deployments to overseas contingency operations. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to submit to Congress recommendations on the advisability of authorizing FSAs for members of the Selected Reserve.

directs secretary military department concerned establish procedures implement flexible spending arrangements fsas military health care dependent care active duty military personnel pre tax basis consider life events members armed_forces unique including changes relating permanent changes duty station deployments overseas contingency operations directs secretary defense dod submit congress recommendations advisability authorizing fsas members selected_reserve


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2012, the designation period of areas as renewal communities and tax incentives for investment in such areas, including: (1) the exclusion from gross income for income tax purposes of gain from the sale or exchange of assets (stock or business property) in such areas, (2) the tax deduction for commercial revitalization expenditures in such areas, and (3) an increased expensing allowance for the acquisition of business and investment assets in such areas.

amends internal revenue code extend december designation period areas renewal communities tax incentives investment areas including exclusion gross income income tax purposes gain sale exchange assets stock business property areas tax deduction commercial revitalization expenditures areas increased expensing allowance acquisition business investment assets areas


Summary: Monroe County HUBZone Act of 2011 - Provides that, for purposes of the Small Business Act, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, shall be a HUBZone (historically underutilized business zone) during the three-year period beginning on October 1, 2011.

monroe_county hubzone act provides purposes small_business_act monroe_county pennsylvania shall hubzone historically underutilized business zone year period beginning october


Summary: National Youth Sports Program Revitalization Act of 2011 - Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to authorize appropriations for FY2012-FY2022 for national or regional instructional programs for low-income youth.

revitalization act amends community services block grant act authorize appropriations fy2012 fy2022 national regional instructional programs low income youth


Summary: Detroit Jobs Trust Fund Act - Establishes in the Treasury the Detroit Jobs Trust Fund to finance projects and activities undertaken by the city of Detroit, Michigan, including payment of debt obligations and projects for jobs development, public safety, education, business infrastructure, or public infrastructure.  Requires the city to create a five-year plan describing development goals.

act establishes treasury finance projects activities undertaken city detroit michigan including payment debt obligations projects jobs development public safety education business infrastructure public infrastructure requires city create year plan describing development goals


Summary: Protecting Transit Through Increased Flexibility Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to make urbanized area formula grants for the operating costs of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation in an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000, if: (1) the term of the grant does not exceed one year; and (2) such grant funds are derived from formula grants requested by the grantee and approved by the Secretary for capital projects, planning, or transit enhancements. Repeals current requirements that: (1) the area population not exceed 225,000, (2) the urbanized area include parts of more than one state; (3) the portion of the urbanized area receiving grant funds include only one state; (3) the population of the portion of the urbanized area receiving such funds be less than 30,000; and (4) the grant will not be used to provide public transportation outside of the portion of the urbanized area receiving the funds. Requires grant applications to: (1) document reduced tax revenue or appropriations of funds available to the recipient over the previous year, as well as increased fuel costs or any other factor affecting the operating costs in the recipient's budget; and (2) certify that the amount requested does not exceed such reductions in tax revenues and appropriations.

protecting transit increased flexibility act authorizes secretary transportation dot urbanized area formula grants operating costs equipment facilities use public transportation urbanized area population term grant exceed year grant funds derived formula grants requested grantee approved secretary capital projects planning transit enhancements repeals current requirements area population exceed urbanized area include parts state portion urbanized area receiving grant funds include state population portion urbanized area receiving funds grant provide public transportation outside portion urbanized area receiving funds requires grant applications document reduced tax revenue appropriations funds available recipient previous year increased fuel costs factor affecting operating costs recipient budget certify requested exceed reductions tax revenues appropriations


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2012 the authority for issuance of bonds in empowerment and enterprise zones with unused bond limitations.

amends internal revenue code extend authority issuance bonds empowerment enterprise zones unused bond limitations


Summary: National Cooperative Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to: (1) establish a National Cooperative Development Program to create jobs and increase economic development in underserved areas by promoting cooperative development; and (2) select, through a competitive process and enter into a grant agreement with, a national cooperative development center. Defines "cooperative organization" as an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise. Defines "cooperative development" as specified technical assistance for the establishment of cooperative organizations. Requires the national center to select local cooperative development centers. Authorizes the national center to establish up to three local cooperative development centers in each of FY2012-FY2016.

secretary housing_and_urban_development hud establish create jobs increase economic development underserved areas promoting cooperative development select competitive process enter grant agreement national cooperative development center defines cooperative organization autonomous association persons united voluntarily meet common economic social cultural needs aspirations jointly owned democratically controlled enterprise defines cooperative development specified technical assistance establishment cooperative organizations requires national center select local cooperative development centers authorizes national center establish local cooperative development centers fy2012-fy2016


Summary: Restore our Neighborhoods Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a new category of tax credit bonds to be known as qualified urban demolition bonds. Allows the issuance of $4 billion of such bonds for the purpose of demolishing vacant, abandoned, and tax delinquent properties in urban areas. Provides for the allocation of $2 billion to all states to fund such demolition projects, and an additional $2 billion for certain other states that have greater numbers of vacant or foreclosed properties and higher unemployment rates (qualified states).

restore neighborhoods_act amends internal revenue code establish new category tax credit bonds known qualified urban demolition bonds allows issuance billion bonds purpose vacant abandoned tax delinquent properties urban areas provides allocation billion states fund demolition projects additional billion certain states greater numbers vacant foreclosed properties higher unemployment rates qualified states


Summary: Detroit Growth and Stability Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) make loans to a financing agent authorized by the state of Michigan to act on behalf of the city of Detroit, Michigan, for which the financing agent and the city shall be jointly and severally liable; and (2) require the city and the financing agent to provide security for such loans. Limits the aggregate amount of loans outstanding to $500 million. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to make such loans on January 1, 2016. Establishes in the Treasury the City of Detroit Growth and Stability Fund for purposes of making such loans.

stability act authorizes secretary treasury loans financing agent authorized state michigan act behalf city detroit michigan financing agent city shall jointly severally liable require city financing agent provide security loans limits aggregate loans outstanding million terminates authority secretary loans january establishes treasury city purposes making loans


Summary: Air and Health Quality Empowerment Zone Designation Act of 2012 - Allows the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate an area as an air and health quality empowerment zone if the air pollution control district or other local governmental entity (area entity) authorized to regulate air quality for the area nominates the area for such designation, including by submitting a strategic plan designed to address air quality challenges, achieve attainment of air quality standards, and improve the health of the population in the area. Requires a designated area to meet the following criteria: (1) it has been designated as being in extreme nonattainment of the national ambient air quality standard for ozone and in nonattainment of the national ambient air quality standard for PM2.5 (particulate matter diameter); (2) it had nitrogen oxide emissions from farm equipment and emissions of volatile organic compounds from farming in excess of specified limits; (3) it meets or exceeds the national average per capita incidence of asthma; (4) it experiences unemployment rates higher than the national average; and (5) the area entity will provide matching contributions of federal funds toward the activities to be carried out under the strategic plan, which may be in cash or in-kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or services. Makes the effective period of area designation the shorter of 10 years or the period ending with revocation by the Administrator. Authorizes grants to an area entity on behalf of each air and health quality empowerment zone for the purpose of carrying out the strategic plan submitted under this Act. Requires a report to Congress on the impact of this Act.

allows administrator environmental_protection_agency epa designate area air health quality empowerment zone air pollution control district local governmental entity area entity authorized regulate air quality area area designation including submitting strategic plan designed address air quality challenges achieve attainment air quality standards improve health population area requires designated area meet following criteria designated extreme nonattainment national ambient air quality standard ozone nonattainment national ambient air quality standard particulate matter diameter nitrogen oxide emissions farm equipment emissions volatile organic compounds farming excess specified limits meets exceeds national average capita incidence asthma experiences unemployment rates higher national average area entity provide matching contributions federal funds activities carried strategic plan cash kind fairly evaluated including plant equipment services makes effective period area designation shorter years period ending revocation administrator authorizes grants area entity behalf air health quality empowerment zone purpose carrying strategic plan submitted act requires report congress impact act


Summary: Detroit Economic Competitiveness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the Detroit Jobs Trust Fund to finance economic development in Detroit, Michigan. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make annual distributions from such Fund to the city of Detroit for payment of debt obligations and for job development, public safety, education, and business and public infrastructure. Prohibits any distributions unless the city of Detroit: (1) does not impose an income tax during a period of distribution, (2) has made specified reductions in aggregate property taxes, (3) has used prior distributions as required under this Act, (4) has provided required information to the Comptroller General (GAO), and (5) has implemented a five-year plan describing development goals for Detroit and detailing how distributions from the Trust Fund will be spent. Terminates such Fund five years after enactment of this Act. Requires GAO to submit annual reports to Congress describing the use of distributions from the Trust Fund, the extent to which progress has been made in meeting the plan's development goals, and Comptroller General recommendations for improving the program established under this Act. Excludes from gross income capital gain from the sale or exchange of investment property used in trade or business in Detroit.

internal revenue code establish finance economic development detroit michigan requires secretary treasury annual distributions fund city detroit payment debt obligations job development public safety education business public infrastructure prohibits distributions city detroit impose income tax period distribution specified reductions aggregate property taxes prior distributions required act provided required information comptroller_general gao implemented year plan describing development goals detroit detailing distributions trust_fund spent terminates fund years enactment act requires gao submit annual reports congress describing use distributions trust_fund extent progress meeting plan development goals comptroller_general recommendations improving program established act excludes gross income capital gain sale exchange investment property trade business detroit


Summary: Urban Competitiveness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any capital gain from the sale or exchange of a stock, partnership, or business property interest invested in an enterprise zone area which had an average unemployment rate of not less than 150% of the national average rate during the preceding calendar year and which experienced a population loss of at least 20% during the 10-year period beginning in 2000.

urban competitiveness act amends internal revenue code exclude gross income capital gain sale exchange stock partnership business property interest invested enterprise zone area average unemployment rate national average rate preceding calendar year experienced population loss year period beginning


Summary: Urban Recovery and Growth Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the issuance of economic development extension bonds for the purpose of economic development or refinancing the indebtedness of a city that has an average unemployment rate of not less than 150% of the national average in the preceding calendar year and that has lost at least 20% of its population between 2000 and 2010.

urban recovery growth act amends internal revenue code authorize issuance economic development extension bonds purpose economic development refinancing indebtedness city average unemployment rate national average preceding calendar year lost population


Summary: Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make competitive grants to local governments, public housing agencies (PHAs), community development corporations, assisted housing owners, and other for-profit and nonprofit entities to implement transformational programs in eligible neighborhoods with a concentration of extreme poverty, severely distressed housing, and a potential for long-term viability, once certain key problems are addressed. Requires such programs to include neighborhoods with characteristics such as proximity to educational institutions, medical centers, central business districts, major employers, effective transportation alternatives (including public transit, walking, and bicycling), and low poverty neighborhoods. Prohibits the use of such grants for construction or rehabilitation of a K-12 school building or a higher educational institution. Limits the use of grants for certain non-housing activities and supportive services. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such limitations. Exempts from specified requirements of the United States Housing Act of 1937 the demolition and disposition of severely distressed public and assisted housing pursuant to a transformation plan.

choice neighborhoods initiative act requires secretary housing_and_urban_development hud competitive grants local governments public housing agencies phas community development corporations assisted housing owners profit nonprofit entities implement transformational programs eligible neighborhoods concentration extreme poverty severely distressed housing potential long term viability certain key problems addressed requires programs include neighborhoods characteristics proximity educational institutions medical centers central business districts major employers effective transportation alternatives including public transit walking bicycling low poverty neighborhoods prohibits use grants construction rehabilitation k-12 school building higher educational institution limits use grants certain non housing activities supportive services authorizes secretary waive limitations exempts specified requirements united_states housing act demolition disposition severely distressed public assisted housing pursuant transformation plan


Summary: Monroe County HUBZone Act of 2011 - Provides that, for purposes of the Small Business Act, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, shall be a HUBZone (historically underutilized business zone) until not earlier than October 1, 2014.

monroe_county hubzone act provides purposes small_business_act monroe_county pennsylvania shall hubzone historically underutilized business zone earlier october


Summary: Shuttle Workforce Revitalization Act of 2012 - Makes Brevard County, Florida, a HUBZone (heavily underutilized business zone) until no earlier than January 1, 2020.

workforce revitalization act makes florida hubzone heavily underutilized business zone earlier january


Summary: Authorizes a state or state agency to use assistance provided under the Hardest Hit Fund program to demolish blighted structures.

authorizes state state agency use assistance provided program demolish blighted structures


Summary:
Restore our Neighborhoods Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a new category of tax credit bonds to be known as qualified urban demolition bonds. Allows the issuance of $4 billion of such bonds for the purpose of demolishing vacant, abandoned, and tax delinquent properties in urban areas. Provides for the allocation of $2 billion to all states to fund such demolition projects, and an additional $2 billion for certain other states in which at least 49% of total housing units were built before 1980 and which have greater numbers of vacant or foreclosed properties and higher unemployment rates (qualified states).

Authorizes the use of funds from the Hardest Hit Fund program established by title I of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act to be used to demolish blighted structures.

restore neighborhoods_act amends internal revenue code establish new category tax credit bonds known qualified urban demolition bonds allows issuance billion bonds purpose vacant abandoned tax delinquent properties urban areas provides allocation billion states fund demolition projects additional billion certain states total housing units built greater numbers vacant foreclosed properties higher unemployment rates qualified states authorizes use funds program established title emergency economic stabilization act demolish blighted structures


Summary:
Build America Bonds Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the issuance authority for Build America Bonds and the authority for payments to issuers of such bonds, (2) make phased reductions in the credit percentage to bondholders and the percentage of payments to issuers of such bonds, (3) allow refundings of currently issued bonds, and (4) allow the use of Build America bonds to fund capital expenditures for levees and flood control projects.

Provides for an increase in payments to issuers of Build America bonds to compensate for reductions in the amount of such payments due to sequestration.

build_america bonds act amends internal revenue code permanent issuance authority build america bonds authority payments issuers bonds phased reductions credit percentage bondholders percentage payments issuers bonds allow refundings currently issued bonds allow use build_america bonds fund capital expenditures levees flood control projects provides increase payments issuers build america bonds compensate reductions payments sequestration


Summary: Historic Homeownership Revitalization Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a new tax credit for 20% of rehabilitation expenditures for a historic home used as a principal residence, up to $60,000; and (2) increase the rehabilitation tax credit for residential rental property located in economically distressed areas with high construction costs.

amends internal revenue code allow new tax credit rehabilitation expenditures historic home principal residence increase rehabilitation tax credit residential rental property located economically distressed areas high construction costs


Summary:
Project Rebuild Act of 2013 - Appropriates funds for assistance to eligible entities including state and local governments, and qualified nonprofit organizations, businesses or eligible consortia for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed-upon properties and for stabilization of affected neighborhoods (Project Rebuild).

Allows the use of funds to: (1) establish financing mechanisms for the purchase and redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed-upon properties; (2) purchase and rehabilitate such properties; (3) establish and operate land banks for them; (4) demolish blighted structures (except public housing); and (5) redevelop abandoned, foreclosed, demolished, or vacant properties.

Requires each state to receive at least $20 million of formula funds, all of which shall be used with respect to low and moderate-income individuals and families.

Requires each state and local government grantee to establish procedures to create preferences for development of affordable rental housing.

Allows a grantee to use up to 10% to create jobs by establishing and operating a program to maintain eligible neighborhood properties.

Sets forth Buy American requirements.

 Requires all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors on federally-assisted projects to be paid wages at the locally prevailing rates (Davis-Bacon Act).

project rebuild act appropriates funds assistance eligible entities including state local governments qualified nonprofit organizations businesses eligible consortia redevelopment abandoned foreclosed properties stabilization affected neighborhoods allows use funds establish financing mechanisms purchase redevelopment abandoned foreclosed properties purchase rehabilitate properties establish operate land banks demolish blighted structures public housing redevelop abandoned foreclosed demolished vacant properties requires state receive million formula funds shall respect low moderate income individuals families requires state local government grantee establish procedures create preferences development affordable rental housing allows grantee use create jobs establishing operating program maintain eligible neighborhood properties sets forth buy american requirements requires laborers mechanics employed contractors subcontractors federally assisted projects paid wages locally prevailing rates davis-bacon_act


Summary:
Revitalize America Act of 2013 - Permits a state or state agency to use up to 25% of amounts of assistance allocated to it through the Hardest Hit Fund program for demolition of foreclosed-upon properties and related expenses.

Limits such assistance to: (1) a grantee public organization that administers the demolition, and (2) only if the foreclosed-upon properties are owned by the grantee at the time of the demolition.

permits state state agency use amounts assistance allocated program demolition foreclosed properties related expenses limits assistance grantee public organization administers demolition foreclosed properties owned grantee time demolition


Summary:
Creating Jobs Through Cooperatives Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a National Cooperative Development Program to create jobs and increase economic development in eligible project areas by promoting cooperative development.

Defines "eligible project areas" as those located within:

 a census tract defined as low- or moderate-income by the Census Bureau; a population census tract treated as a low-income community under the Internal Revenue Code; or areas adjacent or close to areas that meet either requirement, and are given special HUD approval to be classified as eligible project areas. (Requires the Secretary to limit the number of funded projects located in these areas.) Defines "cooperative development" as specified technical assistance for the establishment of cooperative organizations, which are autonomous associations of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

Authorizes the Secretary, through a competitive process, to make one- to -five-year grants to local cooperative development centers.

creating jobs cooperatives act directs secretary housing_and_urban_development hud establish create jobs increase economic development eligible project areas promoting cooperative development defines eligible project areas located census tract defined low- moderate income population census tract treated low income community internal revenue code areas adjacent close areas meet requirement given special hud approval classified eligible project areas requires secretary limit number funded projects located areas defines cooperative development specified technical assistance establishment cooperative organizations autonomous associations persons united voluntarily meet common economic social cultural needs aspirations jointly owned democratically controlled enterprise authorizes secretary competitive process one- year grants local cooperative development centers


Summary:
Revitalize Our Cities Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2016 the period for designating an empowerment zone (an area in which tax incentives are allowed to increase investment and employment).

Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to designate, prior to January 1, 2015, 20 additional empowerment zones in urban areas in which the average unemployment rate and the average rate of residential and commercial foreclosures are each higher than that of the state within which the area is located for the period beginning January 1, 2009, and ending with the date of enactment of this Act.

revitalize cities act amends internal revenue code extend period designating empowerment zone area tax incentives allowed increase investment employment authorizes secretary treasury designate prior january additional empowerment zones urban areas average unemployment rate average rate residential commercial foreclosures higher state area located period beginning january ending date enactment act


Summary:
Brownfield Redevelopment and Economic Development Innovative Financing Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish the Brownfield Redevelopment and Economic Development Innovative Financing Program, under which the Secretary may guarantee the repayment of loans made by lenders to local governments, local redevelopment agencies, or Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) redevelopment projects to carry out projects for redeveloping brownfields and promoting urban renewal.

Requires such an entity, in order to receive such a loan guarantee, to submit: (1) a master plan that describes the proposed brownfield redevelopment project, demonstrates that such project will result in major redevelopment, provides evidence of investment commitments from non-federal entities, and includes a remediation action plan approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and (2) a certification from EPA that the brownfield to be redeveloped requires environmental remediation. Prohibits an entity from: (1) receiving a loan guarantee if it was responsible for contaminating the brownfield to be redeveloped, or (2) having more than one outstanding loan that is guaranteed under the Program.

Sets forth requirements regarding an eligible loan's principal amount, interest rate, duration, and repayment terms. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria for selecting entities to receive loan guarantees.

directs secretary housing_and_urban_development hud establish secretary guarantee repayment loans lenders local governments local redevelopment agencies brac redevelopment projects carry projects brownfields promoting urban renewal requires entity order receive loan guarantee submit master plan describes proposed brownfield redevelopment project demonstrates project result major redevelopment provides evidence investment commitments non federal entities includes remediation action plan approved environmental_protection_agency epa certification epa brownfield requires environmental remediation prohibits entity receiving loan guarantee responsible brownfield having outstanding loan guaranteed program sets forth requirements eligible loan principal interest rate duration repayment terms directs secretary establish criteria selecting entities receive loan guarantees


Summary: Growth Zones Opportunity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend: (1) through 2020, tax incentives for areas designated as empowerment zones; (2) through 2025, the increased exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale or exchange of the small business stock of empowerment zone businesses; and (3) through 2020, tax incentives for areas designated as a renewal community.

growth zones opportunity act amends internal revenue code extend tax incentives areas designated empowerment zones increased exclusion gross income gain sale exchange small business stock empowerment zone businesses tax incentives areas designated renewal community


Summary:
Promise Zone Job Creation Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to designate up to 20 areas as Promise Zones for purposes of priority consideration in federal grant programs and initiatives.

Defines a "Promise Zone" as any area with a continuous boundary and a population of not more than 200,000 that is nominated by a local government or Indian tribe and designated on the basis of its unemployment rate, poverty rate, household income, labor force participation, and educational attainment. Requires an application for designation as a Promise Zone to include a competitiveness plan that addresses the need of the area to attract investment and jobs and improve educational opportunities.

Allows: (1) a Promise Zone employment tax credit for wages paid to a qualified zone or resident employee, and (2) expensing of Promise Zone property.

Defines "Promise Zone property" as property that is: (1) tangible property with a recovery period of 20 years or less for depreciation purposes, water utility property, computer software, or qualified leasehold improvement property; (2) acquired by purchase for use in the active conduct of a trade or business; and (3) originally placed in service in a Promise Zone.

promise zone job creation act amends internal revenue code direct secretary housing_and_urban_development hud secretary agriculture usda designate areas promise zones purposes priority consideration federal grant programs initiatives defines promise zone area continuous boundary population nominated local government indian tribe designated basis unemployment rate poverty rate household income labor force participation educational attainment requires application designation include competitiveness plan addresses need area attract investment jobs improve educational opportunities allows promise zone employment tax credit wages paid qualified zone resident employee expensing property defines promise zone property property tangible property recovery period years depreciation purposes water utility property computer software qualified leasehold improvement property acquired purchase use active conduct trade business originally placed service


Summary: HUBZone Equity Act - Amends the Small Business Act to redefine "HUBZone small business concern" as a small business concern that is at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens (as under current law) or lawful permanent residents of the United States.

hubzone equity act amends small business act redefine hubzone small business concern small business concern owned controlled citizens current law lawful permanent residents united_states


Summary: Urban Core Revitalization Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the rehabilitation tax credit, to include a 15% credit for any qualified rehabilitated building (other than a certified historic structure) located in a low-income community.

urban core revitalization act amends internal revenue code respect rehabilitation tax credit include credit qualified rehabilitated building certified historic structure located low income community


Summary: Bringing Urgent Investment to Local Development Act or the BUILD Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for investment in Build America bonds, to: (1) make permanent the authority for issuance of such bonds, (2) phase in an annual reduction in the credit rate for bondholders and issuers between 2014 and 2019, and (3) allow an issuer a refundable credit amount for investment in economic development bonds in cities with specified unemployment and poverty rates and population loss.

build act amends internal revenue code respect tax credit investment build_america bonds permanent authority issuance bonds phase annual reduction credit rate bondholders issuers allow issuer refundable credit investment economic development bonds cities specified unemployment poverty rates population loss


Summary:
Foreclosure Restitution Act of 2014 - Appropriates specified funds from any amounts received by the Treasury as a civil monetary penalty from the recent settlement agreement between the United States, together with specified individual states, and the Bank of America, together with current and former subsidiaries and affiliates, to remain available until expended.

Limits the use of the funds to providing assistance, under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), to states and local governments for redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes.

Permits the use of the funds to assist in providing affordable housing or to mitigate indirect costs relating to foreclosures on residential mortgages.

foreclosure restitution act appropriates specified funds amounts received treasury civil monetary penalty recent settlement agreement united_states specified individual states current subsidiaries affiliates remain available expended limits use funds providing assistance states local governments redevelopment abandoned foreclosed homes permits use funds assist providing affordable housing mitigate indirect costs relating foreclosures residential mortgages


Summary:
CDBG Grant Return Act of 2014 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize any metropolitan city, urban county, local government, Indian tribe, or insular area that directly or indirectly receives amounts from a community development block grant (CDBG), at its sole discretion, to return to the Treasury any or all of such amounts.

Allows each entity, at its discretion, to retain and use for any purpose up to 10% of such returned funds.

Requires the returned funds to be covered into the Treasury General Fund. Prohibits them from being reallocated, redistributed, or otherwise made available under the Act.

cdbg grant return act amends housing_and_community_development_act authorize metropolitan city urban county local government indian tribe insular area directly indirectly receives amounts community development block grant cdbg sole discretion return treasury amounts allows entity discretion retain use purpose returned funds requires returned funds covered prohibits reallocated available act


Summary:
Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make competitive grants to local governments, public housing agencies (PHAs), community development corporations, assisted housing owners, and other for-profit and nonprofit entities to implement transformational programs in eligible neighborhoods with a concentration of extreme poverty, severely distressed housing, and a potential for long-term viability, once certain key problems are addressed.

Requires such programs to include neighborhoods with characteristics such as proximity to educational institutions, medical centers, central business districts, major employers, effective transportation alternatives (including public transit, walking, and bicycling), and low poverty neighborhoods.

Prohibits the use of such grants for construction or rehabilitation of a K-12 school building or a higher educational institution. Limits the use of grants for certain non-housing activities and supportive services. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such limitations.

Exempts from specified requirements of the United States Housing Act of 1937 the demolition and disposition of severely distressed public and assisted housing pursuant to a transformation plan.

choice neighborhoods initiative act requires secretary housing_and_urban_development hud competitive grants local governments public housing agencies phas community development corporations assisted housing owners profit nonprofit entities implement transformational programs eligible neighborhoods concentration extreme poverty severely distressed housing potential long term viability certain key problems addressed requires programs include neighborhoods characteristics proximity educational institutions medical centers central business districts major employers effective transportation alternatives including public transit walking bicycling low poverty neighborhoods prohibits use grants construction rehabilitation k-12 school building higher educational institution limits use grants certain non housing activities supportive services authorizes secretary waive limitations exempts specified requirements united_states housing act demolition disposition severely distressed public assisted housing pursuant transformation plan


Summary: Neighborhood Safety Act of 2013 - Authorizes the use of any amounts of assistance allocated for or provided to a state or state agency through the Hardest Hit Fund program to demolish blighted structures.

neighborhood safety act authorizes use amounts assistance allocated provided state state agency program demolish blighted structures


Summary:
Economic Freedom Zones Act of 2013 - Prohibits federal assistance (e.g., loans, loan guarantees, or purchases) from being provided to: (1) a state, municipality, zip code, or rural area (eligible entity) other than an entity that is designated an Economic Free Zone by this Act; (2) a municipality that is a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding; or (3) a state or municipality that is insolvent.

Sets forth requirements for the designation of an eligible entity as an Economic Freedom Zone, including bankruptcy eligibility, insolvency, or pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for investment in an Economic Freedom Zone, including; (1) a  5% flat tax rate on the taxable income of individuals and corporations, (2) a 0% capital gains tax rate for gain from the sale or exchange of Economic Freedom Zone assets or real property, (3) reduced employment tax rates, and (4) an increase in the expensing allowance for business property in an Economic Freedom Zone.

Exempts an area designated as an Economic Freedom Zone from: (1) compliance with specified environmental regulations, (2) requirements applicable to a National Heritage Area, and (3) wage rate requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit, up to $5,000 in a taxable year, for the elementary and secondary education expenses of a student attending a public, private, or religious school whose principal residence is located in an Economic Freedom Zone; (2) a tax-exempt Economic Freedom Zone educational savings account for individuals whose principal residence is located in an Economic Freedom Zone; and (3) a tax credit, in lieu of a tax deduction, for contributions to a charitable organization serving individuals in an Economic Freedom Zone.

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow a special allocation of grant funds under such Act for the benefit of children from families residing in an Economic Freedom Zone whose incomes are below the federal poverty level.

Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), in collaboration with the Secretary of Labor, to issue Special Economic Freedom Zone Visas to aliens meeting certain educational and skill requirements who intend to enter the United States to invest in an Economic Freedom Zone.

Expresses the sense of the Senate that state and local governments should review and adopt specified policy recommendations relating to pension reform, tax reduction, adoption of school choice options, adoption of right-to-work laws, streamlining the regulatory burden, and reducing or fixing abandoned structures.

economic freedom zones act prohibits federal assistance loans loan guarantees purchases provided state municipality zip code rural area eligible entity entity designated economic free zone act municipality debtor bankruptcy proceeding state municipality insolvent sets forth requirements designation eligible entity economic freedom zone including bankruptcy eligibility insolvency pervasive poverty unemployment general distress amends internal revenue code provide tax incentives investment economic freedom zone including flat tax rate taxable income individuals corporations capital gains tax rate gain sale exchange assets real property reduced employment tax rates increase expensing allowance business property economic freedom zone exempts area designated economic freedom zone compliance specified environmental regulations requirements applicable wage rate requirements davis-bacon_act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit taxable year elementary secondary education expenses student attending public private religious school principal residence located economic freedom zone tax exempt economic freedom zone educational savings account individuals principal residence located economic freedom zone tax credit lieu tax deduction contributions charitable organization serving individuals economic freedom zone amends elementary secondary education act allow special allocation grant funds act benefit children families residing economic freedom zone incomes federal poverty level authorizes secretary homeland_security dhs collaboration secretary labor issue special economic freedom zone visas aliens meeting certain educational skill requirements intend enter united_states invest economic freedom zone expresses sense senate state local governments review adopt specified policy recommendations relating pension reform tax reduction adoption school choice options adoption right work laws streamlining regulatory burden reducing fixing abandoned structures


Summary:
Promise Zone Job Creation Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to designate up to 20 areas as Promise Zones for purposes of priority consideration in federal grant programs and initiatives.

Defines a "Promise Zone" as any area with a continuous boundary and a population of not more than 200,000 that is nominated by a local government or Indian tribe and designated on the basis of its unemployment, poverty, vacancy, and crime rates. Requires an application for designation as a Promise Zone to include a competitiveness plan that addresses the need of the area to attract investment and jobs and improve educational opportunities.

Allows: (1) a Promise Zone employment tax credit for wages paid to a qualified zone or resident employee, and (2) expensing of Promise Zone property.

Defines "Promise Zone property" as property that is: (1) tangible property with a recovery period of 20 years or less for depreciation purposes, water utility property, computer software, or qualified leasehold improvement property; (2) acquired by purchase for use in the active conduct of a trade or business; and (3) originally placed in service in a Promise Zone.

promise zone job creation act amends internal revenue code direct secretary housing_and_urban_development hud secretary agriculture usda designate areas promise zones purposes priority consideration federal grant programs initiatives defines promise zone area continuous boundary population nominated local government indian tribe designated basis unemployment poverty vacancy crime rates requires application designation include competitiveness plan addresses need area attract investment jobs improve educational opportunities allows promise zone employment tax credit wages paid qualified zone resident employee expensing property defines promise zone property property tangible property recovery period years depreciation purposes water utility property computer software qualified leasehold improvement property acquired purchase use active conduct trade business originally placed service


Summary:
Local Empowerment Act - Revises requirements for the apportionment of state planning funds to metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs).

Requires a state's apportionment to be distributed in accordance with a formula that prioritizes the needs of high performing MPOs.

Revises certain allocations of surface transportation program funds to states for: (1) any areas with a population of fewer (under current law, non-urban areas with more) than 5,000, and (2) urbanized areas with a population of more than 200,000 that have a high performing MPO.

Extends for FY2015-FY2018 a state's obligational authority to distribute a specified amount of surface transportation program funds for federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs in urbanized areas with a population over 200,000, including those areas that have a high performing MPO.

Makes permanent a special rule authorizing a state to obligate up to 15% of its apportionment of surface transportation program funds for each fiscal on roads functionally classified as minor collectors in areas of less than 5,000 population.

Defines "consolidated metropolitan planning organization" to mean a sole MPO that serves a metropolitan statistical area.

Prescribes requirements for the designation of new and consolidation of multiple MPOs within a metropolitan statistical area.

Allows a MPO for an urbanized area with a population of more than 200,000 to request that the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) designate it as a high performing MPO. Specifies criteria the Secretary shall consider in making such designation.

Makes similar changes to requirements for the transportation alternatives program.

local empowerment act revises requirements apportionment state planning funds metropolitan planning organizations mpos requires state apportionment distributed accordance formula prioritizes needs high performing mpos revises certain allocations surface transportation program funds states areas population fewer current law non urban areas urbanized areas population high performing mpo extends fy2015 fy2018 state obligational authority distribute specified surface transportation program funds federal aid highways highway safety construction programs urbanized areas population including areas high performing mpo makes permanent special rule authorizing state obligate apportionment surface transportation program funds fiscal roads functionally classified minor collectors areas population defines consolidated metropolitan planning organization mean sole mpo serves metropolitan statistical area prescribes requirements designation new consolidation multiple mpos metropolitan statistical area allows mpo urbanized area population request secretary transportation dot designate high performing mpo specifies criteria secretary shall consider making designation makes similar changes requirements transportation alternatives program


Summary:
Supermarket Tax Credit for Underserved Areas Act

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rate of the rehabilitation tax credit for a supermarket building placed in service after December 31, 2015, and before January 1, 2018, in an underserved area (i.e., any enterprise community or empowerment zone and any renewal community); (2) increase by $1,000 the limit on wages eligible for the work opportunity tax credit for employees of a supermarket located in an underserved area; and (3) allow a business-related tax credit for 15% of the gross receipts from the retail sale of locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables in a supermarket in an underserved area.

areas act amends internal revenue code increase rate rehabilitation tax credit building placed service december january underserved area enterprise community empowerment zone renewal community increase limit wages eligible work opportunity tax credit employees located underserved area allow business related tax credit gross receipts retail sale locally grown fresh fruits vegetables underserved area


Summary:
Promise Neighborhoods Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award competitive, matching Promise Neighborhood Partnership grants to nonprofit organizations that partner with a local educational agency to implement a comprehensive continuum of supports and services that engage community partners in improving the academic achievement, health and social development, and college and career readiness of children who live in distressed neighborhoods with underperforming schools.

ED may renew Promise Neighborhood Partnership grants if the grantees demonstrate significant success in: (1) ensuring children's school readiness; (2) improving their academic outcomes; (3) increasing their college and career readiness; and (4) improving their health, mental health, and social and emotional well-being.

ED must evaluate this Act's grant program and disseminate research on best practices for improving the academic achievement of children living in the most distressed communities.

Matching planning grants are available to enable communities to assess needs and assets and support the communities as they prepare to apply for a program grant.

promise neighborhoods_act bill directs award competitive matching promise neighborhood partnership grants nonprofit organizations partner local educational agency implement comprehensive continuum supports services engage community partners improving academic achievement health social development college career readiness children live distressed neighborhoods underperforming schools renew promise neighborhood partnership grants grantees demonstrate significant success ensuring children school readiness improving academic outcomes increasing college career readiness improving health mental health social emotional evaluate act grant program disseminate research best practices improving academic achievement children living distressed communities matching planning grants available enable communities assess needs assets support communities prepare apply program grant


Summary:
Brownfield Redevelopment and Economic Development Innovative Financing Act of 2015

Directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish the Brownfield Redevelopment and Economic Development Innovative Financing Program, under which HUD may guarantee the repayment of loans made by lenders to local governments, local redevelopment agencies, or Base Realignment and Closure Commission redevelopment projects to carry out projects for redeveloping brownfields and promoting urban renewal.

Requires such an entity, in order to receive such a loan guarantee, to submit: (1) a master plan that describes the proposed brownfield redevelopment project, demonstrates that such project will result in major redevelopment, provides evidence of investment commitments from non-federal entities, and includes a remediation action plan approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and (2) a certification from EPA that the brownfield to be redeveloped requires environmental remediation. Prohibits an entity from: (1) receiving a loan guarantee if it was responsible for contaminating the brownfield to be redeveloped, or (2) having more than one outstanding loan that is guaranteed under the Program.

Sets forth requirements regarding an eligible loan's principal amount, interest rate, duration, and repayment terms. Directs HUD to establish criteria for selecting entities to receive loan guarantees.

hud establish hud guarantee repayment loans lenders local governments local redevelopment agencies redevelopment projects carry projects brownfields promoting urban renewal requires entity order receive loan guarantee submit master plan describes proposed brownfield redevelopment project demonstrates project result major redevelopment provides evidence investment commitments non federal entities includes remediation action plan approved environmental_protection_agency epa certification epa brownfield requires environmental remediation prohibits entity receiving loan guarantee responsible brownfield having outstanding loan guaranteed program sets forth requirements eligible loan principal interest rate duration repayment terms directs hud establish criteria selecting entities receive loan guarantees


Summary:
Metropolitan Planning Enhancement Act

 Revises metropolitan transportation planning organization (MPO) requirements.

Prescribes requirements for the designation of new and consolidation of multiple MPOs within a metropolitan statistical area.

Defines "consolidated metropolitan planning organization" to mean a sole MPO that serves a metropolitan statistical area.

Allows an MPO for an urbanized area with a population over 200,000 to request a high-performing MPO designation from the Department of Transportation (DOT). Specifies criteria DOT shall consider in making such designation.

Revises certain allocations of surface transportation program funds to states for:

 any areas with a population of fewer (under current law, non-urban areas with more) than 5,000, and urbanized areas with a population over 200,000 that have a high-performing MPO. Makes similar changes to the transportation alternatives program.

Extends permanently a state's obligational authority to distribute a specified amount of surface transportation program funds for federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs in urbanized areas with a population over 200,000, including those areas that have a high-performing MPO.

Makes permanent a special rule authorizing a state to obligate up to 15% of its apportionment of surface transportation program funds for each fiscal on roads functionally classified as minor collectors in areas of less than 5,000 population.

Revises requirements for the apportionment of state planning funds to MPOs.

Requires a state's apportionment to be distributed in accordance with a formula that prioritizes the needs of high-performing MPOs.

Requires metropolitan planning organizations to involve public port authorities in metropolitan freight transportation planning.

Revises the statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning process for the development of statewide transportation plans and statewide transportation improvement programs for federal-aid highway projects. Makes certain changes from discretionary to mandatory with respect to such process.

Requires DOT to certify at least once every four years that each state has met certain requirements; and other federal laws, regulations, and orders applicable to the statewide and nonmetropolitan and the metropolitan processes.

Authorizes DOT to withhold up to 20% of a state's apportionment of funds for federal-aid highway projects and public transportation projects if the state fails to meet such certification.

Makes similar changes to requirements for public transportation program projects.

Eliminates the requirement that the congestion management process be addressed in the metropolitan transportation planning and statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning of such projects in:

 urbanized transportation management areas with a population over 200,000 individuals, and certain nonattainment areas for ozone or carbon monoxide. Revises requirements authorizing an MPO to voluntarily elect to develop multiple scenarios for consideration as part of the development of the metropolitan transportation plan for a metropolitan planning area.

Requires an MPO to offer certain interested parties a reasonable opportunity to participate in the development and consideration of those scenarios as well as provide input during the development and implementation of the transportation plan.

Prescribes requirements to require MPOs to create a performance-based target achievement process for adding projects to a transportation improvement program.

act revises metropolitan transportation planning organization mpo requirements prescribes requirements designation new consolidation multiple mpos metropolitan statistical area defines consolidated metropolitan planning organization mean sole mpo serves metropolitan statistical area allows mpo urbanized area population request high performing mpo designation department_of_transportation dot specifies criteria dot shall consider making designation revises certain allocations surface transportation program funds states areas population fewer current law non urban areas urbanized areas population high performing mpo makes similar changes transportation alternatives program extends permanently state obligational authority distribute specified surface transportation program funds federal aid highways highway safety construction programs urbanized areas population including areas high performing mpo makes permanent special rule authorizing state obligate apportionment surface transportation program funds fiscal roads functionally classified minor collectors areas population revises requirements apportionment state planning funds mpos requires state apportionment distributed accordance formula prioritizes needs high performing mpos requires metropolitan planning organizations involve public port authorities metropolitan freight transportation planning revises statewide nonmetropolitan transportation planning process development statewide transportation plans statewide transportation improvement programs federal aid highway projects makes certain changes discretionary mandatory respect process requires dot certify years state met certain requirements federal laws regulations orders applicable statewide nonmetropolitan metropolitan processes authorizes dot withhold state apportionment funds federal aid highway projects public transportation projects state fails meet certification makes similar changes requirements public transportation program projects eliminates requirement congestion management process addressed metropolitan transportation planning statewide nonmetropolitan transportation planning projects urbanized transportation management areas population individuals certain nonattainment areas ozone carbon monoxide revises requirements authorizing mpo voluntarily elect develop multiple scenarios consideration development metropolitan transportation plan metropolitan planning area requires mpo offer certain interested parties reasonable opportunity participate development consideration scenarios provide input development implementation transportation plan prescribes requirements require mpos create performance based target achievement process adding projects transportation improvement program


Summary:
Food Deserts Act of 2016

This bill establishes a Department of Agriculture program to provide grants to states for revolving funds to support the establishment and operation of grocery stores in underserved communities.

An underserved community is a community that has: (1) limited access to affordable, healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, in grocery retail stores or farmer-to-consumer direct markets; and (2) a high rate of hunger or food insecurity or a high poverty rate.

States must use the funds to make loans to support grocery stores in underserved communities, including for:

 opening a store (excluding new construction), supporting an existing store, purchasing an existing store, or supporting a store located in a community that would be underserved without the store. States may only make loans for qualified grocery stores that:

 emphasize unprocessed, healthful foods; provide staple foods and a variety of raw fruits and vegetables; have a plan to keep the foods in stock; and charge prices at or below municipal averages. States must prioritize loan applications from entities that meet criteria, including:

 hiring workers from the underserved community, providing classes or educational information about a healthful diet, sourcing food from local urban farms and gardens, not selling alcohol or tobacco products, or demonstrating existing supply chain relationships or expertise in the grocery industry.

food act bill establishes department_of_agriculture program provide grants states revolving funds support establishment operation grocery stores underserved communities underserved community community limited access affordable healthy foods including fresh fruits vegetables grocery retail stores farmer consumer direct markets high rate hunger food insecurity high poverty rate states use funds loans support grocery stores underserved communities including opening store excluding new construction supporting existing store purchasing existing store supporting store located community underserved store states loans qualified grocery stores emphasize unprocessed healthful foods provide staple foods variety raw fruits vegetables plan foods stock charge prices municipal averages states prioritize loan applications entities meet criteria including hiring workers underserved community providing classes educational information healthful diet sourcing food local urban farms gardens selling alcohol tobacco products demonstrating existing supply chain relationships expertise grocery industry


Summary:
Growing And Reviving Rural Economies Through Transitioning HUBZone Redesignation Act of 2016

This bill amends the Small Business Act with respect to Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones) located in qualified census tracts, qualified nonmetropolitan counties, or redesignated areas, which are census tracts or nonmetropolitan counties that cease to meet the ordinary criteria for the HUBZone program but are "redesignated" to qualify for it.

The bill increases the length of time a census tract or nonmetropolitan county may be redesignated to qualify for HUBZone status from three years to seven years after the date on which the area ceased to meet the ordinary criteria.

growing rural economies transitioning hubzone redesignation act bill amends small_business_act respect hubzones located qualified census tracts qualified nonmetropolitan counties redesignated areas census tracts nonmetropolitan counties cease meet ordinary criteria hubzone program redesignated qualify bill increases length time census tract nonmetropolitan county redesignated qualify hubzone status years seven years date area ceased meet ordinary criteria


Summary:
Revitalize Our Cities Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2019 the period for designating an empowerment zone (an area in which tax incentives are allowed to increase investment and employment).

The Department of Housing and Urban Development may designate, prior to January 1, 2018, 20 additional empowerment zones in urban areas in which the average unemployment rate and the average rate of residential and commercial foreclosures are each higher than that of the state within which the area is located for the period beginning January 1, 2012, and ending with the date of enactment of this bill.

revitalize cities act bill amends internal_revenue_code extend period designating empowerment zone area tax incentives allowed increase investment employment department_of_housing_and_urban_development designate prior january additional empowerment zones urban areas average unemployment rate average rate residential commercial foreclosures higher state area located period beginning january ending date enactment bill


Summary:
Urban Progress Act of 2016

This bill provides support (e.g. grant programs or tax credits) for:

 the Rental Assistance Demonstration program that improves public housing, qualified ex-felons and employers who hire them, economically disadvantaged communities, a training program for workers, a program for providing eligible youth with summer employment opportunities, a plan to reduce the number of children living in poverty, benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for children who attend summer school, families that have children and are under 150% of the poverty line, a process to expunge and seal certain youth criminal records, an effort in preventing juvenile delinquency and criminal street gang activity, and a program for increasing the racial diversity of law enforcement agencies. The bill also addresses gun violence, including by: (1) making trafficking in firearms a crime, (2) establishing firearm prohibitions for certain high-risk individuals, (3) establishing background check requirements, and (4) requiring gun owners to report a lost or stolen firearm to Department of Justice and local law enforcement authorities within 48 hours of discovery.

urban progress act bill provides support grant programs tax credits program improves public housing qualified felons employers hire economically disadvantaged communities training program workers program providing eligible youth summer employment opportunities plan reduce number children living poverty benefits children attend summer school families children poverty line process seal certain youth criminal records effort preventing juvenile delinquency criminal street gang activity program increasing racial diversity law enforcement agencies bill addresses gun violence including making trafficking firearms crime establishing firearm prohibitions certain high risk individuals establishing background check requirements requiring gun owners report lost stolen firearm department_of_justice local law enforcement authorities hours discovery


Summary:
Race to the Job Initiative Act

This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to establish and administer a grant program to provide anchor institution (i.e., a hospital, college, research center, or nonprofit institution) grants and infrastructure grants to eligible low-income communities for community development.

Treasury shall select: (1) within the first year after enactment of this bill, 30 of such low-income communities to receive these grants; and (2) within the second year, an additional 20 of these communities.

Treasury must award a capital assistance grant to each community development financial institution specified in the grantee's application to make loans to, and invest in, businesses, organizations, or public-private partnerships located in the eligible low-income community.

The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a new markets tax credit for investment in a partner community development financial institution without regard to allocation limitations on such credit.

The bill amends the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 to limit to $20 million (in the aggregate, during a three-year period) an award from the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund to a community development financial institution and its subsidiaries and affiliates receiving a capital assistance grant under this bill.

CDFI funds are limited annually for these entities to: (1) $10 million for financial assistance, and (2) $500,000 for technical assistance.

race job initiative act bill requires department_of_the_treasury establish administer grant program provide institution hospital college research center nonprofit institution grants infrastructure grants eligible low income communities community development treasury shall select year enactment bill low income communities receive grants second year additional communities treasury award capital assistance grant community development financial institution specified grantee application loans invest businesses organizations public private partnerships located eligible low income community bill amends internal_revenue_code allow new markets tax credit investment partner community development financial institution regard allocation limitations credit bill amends financial institutions act limit million aggregate year period award community development financial institution subsidiaries affiliates receiving capital assistance grant bill funds limited annually entities million financial assistance technical assistance


Summary:
Empowering Jobs Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to tax-exempt enterprise zone facility bonds and empowerment zones, to: (1) include as employees of a qualified business entity employees who are residents of an empowerment zone, an enterprise community, or a qualified low-income community; and (2) extend the period of designation for empowerment zones through December 31, 2016 (thus extending the eligibility of such zones for certain tax benefits).

empowering jobs act amends internal revenue code respect tax exempt enterprise zone facility bonds empowerment zones include employees qualified business entity employees residents empowerment zone enterprise community qualified low income community extend period designation empowerment zones december extending eligibility zones certain tax benefits


Summary:
Economic Freedom Zones Act of 2015

Prohibits federal assistance (e.g., loans, loan guarantees, or purchases) from being provided to: (1) a municipality or a zip code (eligible entity), other than an entity that is designated an Economic Free Zone by this Act; (2) a municipality that is a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding; or (3) a municipality that is insolvent.

Sets forth requirements for the designation of an eligible entity that is a municipality as an Economic Freedom Zone for a 10-year period, including bankruptcy eligibility, insolvency, or pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for investment in an Economic Freedom Zone, including; (1) a 5% flat tax rate on the taxable income of individuals and corporations, (2) a 0% capital gains tax rate for gain from the sale or exchange of Economic Freedom Zone assets or real property, (3) reduced employment tax rates, and (4) an increase in the expensing allowance for business property in an Economic Freedom Zone.

Exempts an area designated as an Economic Freedom Zone from: (1) compliance with specified environmental regulations, (2) requirements applicable to a National Heritage Area, and (3) wage rate requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit, up to $5,000 in a taxable year for the elementary and secondary education expenses of a student attending a public, private, or religious school whose principal residence is located in an Economic Freedom Zone; (2) a tax-exempt Economic Freedom Zone educational savings account for individuals whose principal residence is located in an Economic Freedom Zone; and (3) a tax credit, in lieu of a tax deduction, for contributions to a charitable organization serving individuals in an Economic Freedom Zone.

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow a special allocation of grant funds under such Act for the benefit of children from families residing in an Economic Freedom Zone whose incomes are below the federal poverty level.

Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), in collaboration with the Secretary of Labor, to issue Special Economic Freedom Zone Visas to aliens meeting certain educational and skill requirements who intend to enter the United States to invest in an Economic Freedom Zone.

Expresses the sense of the Senate that state and local governments should review and adopt specified policy recommendations relating to pension reform, tax reduction, adoption of school choice options, adoption of right-to-work laws, streamlining the regulatory burden, and reducing or fixing abandoned structures.

economic freedom zones act prohibits federal assistance loans loan guarantees purchases provided municipality zip code eligible entity entity designated economic free zone act municipality debtor bankruptcy proceeding municipality insolvent sets forth requirements designation eligible entity municipality economic freedom zone year period including bankruptcy eligibility insolvency pervasive poverty unemployment general distress amends internal revenue code provide tax incentives investment economic freedom zone including flat tax rate taxable income individuals corporations capital gains tax rate gain sale exchange assets real property reduced employment tax rates increase expensing allowance business property economic freedom zone exempts area designated economic freedom zone compliance specified environmental regulations requirements applicable wage rate requirements davis-bacon_act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit taxable year elementary secondary education expenses student attending public private religious school principal residence located economic freedom zone tax exempt economic freedom zone educational savings account individuals principal residence located economic freedom zone tax credit lieu tax deduction contributions charitable organization serving individuals economic freedom zone amends elementary secondary education act allow special allocation grant funds act benefit children families residing economic freedom zone incomes federal poverty level authorizes secretary homeland_security dhs collaboration secretary labor issue special economic freedom zone visas aliens meeting certain educational skill requirements intend enter united_states invest economic freedom zone expresses sense senate state local governments review adopt specified policy recommendations relating pension reform tax reduction adoption school choice options adoption right work laws streamlining regulatory burden reducing fixing abandoned structures


Summary:
Targeted Employment Areas Improvement Act

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase the number of fiscal year EB-5 (employment creation) visas for qualified immigrants who invest in a new commercial enterprise which, in addition to creating jobs in a targeted employment area, will invest the required capital in such area.

Designation of a high unemployment area as a targeted employment area shall be valid for renewable five-year periods.

targeted employment areas improvement act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act increase number fiscal year eb-5 employment creation visas qualified immigrants invest new commercial enterprise addition creating jobs targeted employment area invest required capital area designation high unemployment area targeted employment area shall valid renewable year periods