The Jacksonville office had a marathonic end of winter advancing HUD’s mission, promoting Secretary Fudge’s initiatives, and fostering relationships.

Field Office Director Alesia Scott-Ford delivered remarks at the 2023 World Conference of Mayors/Historic Black Towns and Settlements Alliance in Orlando Florida. Attendees included local officials and Dr. E. Faye Williams, UN Peace Ambassador; Dr. Kenneth L. Harris, President/CEO, The National Business League; Charles DeBow lll, President, National Black Chamber of Commerce; Rev. Pamela Fomunung, Founder and CEO, Africa’s Brain Bank; Dr. Abdoulaye Mbengue, Vice President, African Affairs, World Conference of Mayors and the Historic Black Towns and Settlements Alliance; and Aissatou Sow Diawara, Vice President, Senegal National Assembly.

The Jacksonville team also participated in the Florida Black Expo, an annual event in its 18-year that promotes economic development through increased exposure for minority-owned businesses. With an attendance of more than 8,000 visiting 400 vendors, the HUD table had a brisk flow of persons interested in programs and resources.

While attending the Tampa Point In Time Count (PIT) on February 23rd, Field Office Director Scott- Ford, paused to find a quiet spot with good signal to virtually present information on HUD Secretarial Initiatives and Program Offices during the 2023 Florida Community Development Association Conference, also taking place in Tampa.

While some members of the team, along with community partners, provided vital information and resources available to participants when addressing community and economic development issues specific to Florida, others volunteered For the Tampa/Hillsborough County PIT at the Hyde Park deployment site. Participants received care packages, list of local shelters, community resource contact information and the electronic survey QR Code to capture information in real time.

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