The Empowerment Initiative is about building healthy communities. It began when communities applied for designation as an EZ or EC. Community applications were much more than paperwork, however. They were strategic plans that were the first step in a process of long-term community improvement. The plans included strategic visions for change, built on solid community partnerships. They identified new resources and created new approaches to economic opportunity and community improvement.

Critical to creating effective community strategic plans is a process of planning that is open to participation by all community organizations and social groups, so that it becomes a "we" process, and not "they". And it is critical that low-income residents-the intended beneficiaries of the Presidential Empowerment Initiative - be represented and actively involved in every stage of carrying out the plan.

To achieve the purpose of the Empowerment Initiative - to create development and investment strategies that will enhance the economic well being and improve the lives of low-income EZ or EC residents - the views and talents of low-income citizens are essential.