President Obama selects Choctaw Nation as 'Promise Zone'

Thursday, January 9, 2014  

President Barack Obama has selected the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma for a new anti-poverty program.

The reservation will be designated as a Promise Zone to boost economic and employment opportunities. The announcement was made at the White House today.

"These areas – urban, rural, and tribal – have all committed, in partnership with local business and community leaders, to use existing resources on proven strategies, and make new investments that reward hard work," Cecilia Munoz, the director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, said in a blog post. "They have developed strong plans to create jobs, provide quality, affordable housing and expand educational opportunity, which we’ll help them execute with access to on-the-ground federal partners, resources, and grant preferences."

“This designation will assist ongoing efforts to emphasize small business development and bring economic opportunity to the high-need communities," said Chief Greg Pyle in a press release "I am confident that access to the technical assistance and resources offered by the Promise Zone designation will result in better lifestyles for people living and working within the Choctaw Nation.”

The Obama administration plans to name 15 more Promise Zones in the coming years.

Get the Story:
Choctaw Nation picked to lead anti-poverty effort (AP 1/9)
Obama to announce Choctaw 'Promise Zone' to fight poverty in SE Oklahoma (The Tulsa World 1/9)