Large Economic Development Program assists small cities

The National Association of Cities represents over five thousand municipalities and is conducting an economic development program called Building America. Information from America's cities, towns and villages is being accepted, linked together and promoted at one central location @ www.buildingamerica.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts
Kerry Lauricella, The National Association of Cities    800-557-4490, kerry@associationofcities.org

LARGE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR SMALL CITIES

Harahan, Louisiana: January 24, 2002 -- The National Association of Cities (NAC) today announced the launch of Building America, a grassroots economic development program designed to help Americas small cities and towns find greater financial stability. In addition, the program provides a forum where citizens and town leaders can communicate seamlessly with other constituents in their communities. The Building America program simultaneously promotes more than 10,000 cities, towns and villages throughout the United States through a central website, where citizens can find information about individual towns, including local available and sought after business resources, points of interest and recreational activities. This vital municipal information has been compiled over the past two years and can easily be accessed online at www.buildingamerica.org.

Small cities, towns and villages are the very backbone of our country. Building America will help strengthen Americas economy from a local level and give citizens and small businesses an easier way to communicate with their government," said Kerry Lauricella, Executive Director of the National Association of Cities and Councilman of Harahan, La. Our goal is to give Americas small municipalities the benefits of the large cities, without sacrificing the small town atmosphere that we share."

Information for Building America, which includes everything from local recreational events to tips from the fire department and city hall, is currently being accepted from individual municipalities and their departments. Local organizations such as schools, civic organizations and worship facilities may also submit information to www.buildingamerica.org. Additionally, citizens can use the site to submit comments or questions to local elected officials or municipal department and receive a clear response.

The National Association of Cities Building America Program" is funded by national corporate sponsors, local businesses, and participating municipalities. Additionally, Building Americas sponsors provide valuable resources to the municipalities through the program.

About The National Association of Cities:
The National Association of Cities (NAC) was established to assist Americas smaller municipalities. The NAC is one of the country's largest and most representative organizations serving municipal governments with populations of 50,000 or less. The NAC was founded in 1999 with 68 municipal members and has grown to represent more than 5,000 municipalities across America today. The National Association of Cities can be reached through its World Wide Web site @ www.associationofcities.org.

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