llion grant has been awarded by the Rockefeller Foundation to the School of Design's Center for Urban Redevelopment Excellence to aid in the reconstruction of New Orleans.
The center supports urban redevelopment leaders by "placing promising young professionals in fellowships with top redevelopment organizations nationwide," according to the program's Web site.
Former Penn President Judith Rodin, who is president of the Rockefeller Foundation, noted in a press release that rebuilding efforts in New Orleans need to be "undertaken with the highest degree of professionalism and urgency."
The goal of this specific task is to build "long-term capacity for urban redevelopment in the New Orleans region" and requires working with both for-profit and non-profit organizations. The projects will be centered primarily in the areas of the region that were devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Fifteen fellows will be recruited to participate in the rebuilding by September. The activities of the fellows are expected to be completed by March 2009.
- Alissa Eisenberg
