PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13, 2011 – Senator Vincent Hughes (D – Philadelphia/Montgomery) today joined Philadelphia City Councilman Darrell Clarke, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) Executive Director Brian Hudson and the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) Executive Director Michael Kelly for a tour of parts of the Senator’s district to discuss possible, affordable housing and development opportunities in some sections of the city.

“Many areas within my district have great potential to be transformed and as we know, the best way to do so is by working together. That is why I am joining Councilman Clark and leaders from PHFA and PHA today to get a sense of plans for the area and what local and state resources can best be utilized,” said Hughes. “Not only do these projects revive the area, but they also bring jobs with them. The number one priority on all of our minds is job creation, and these projects go a long way in doing just that.”

Hughes, whose district includes West Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, University City, Roxborough, Manayunk and East Falls (as well as Springfield and Whitemarsh Townships in Montgomery County), has seen the benefits of pulling resources together from various entities. Recently, the Mantua section of the city was able to leverage tax credits from PHFA, as well as receive both federal and city funding for its revitalization efforts.

“Economic development is an essential aspect in not only moving our city forward, but assisting in recovering from this recession – providing jobs and rebuilding communities at the same time. We must continue to invest in our communities, and today is about finding those investments,” said Hughes. “We have seen great examples of state and city government working with a community to revive challenged neighborhoods and put people back to work, and I am hopeful we can do something similar for more of my constituents.”

Be sure to visit Senator Hughes at www.SenatorHughes.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter (SenatorHughes).

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