A collaborative local effort lost out in its bid for Promise Zone designation from Housing and Urban Development.
The city of Pensacola acted as the lead agency in a partnership with Escambia County, the University of West Florida, Pensacola State College and Escambia County School District. The group applied for the designation in an effort to bring additional resources to the community, create jobs, leverage private investment, increase economic activity, expand educational opportunities and reduce violent crime. The zone is a 20-square mile portion of the Pensacola area that extends from downtown to the west side.
Housing and Urban Development designated five urban Promise Zones out of 64 applicants.