This report serves to update the Co-Chairs and the public of the White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities on the work of the SC2 Initiative. Each section, outlined below, relates to SC2’s work improving the way the federal government engages with and supports local communities to build local capacity to implement their economic development plans to achieve local goals. The report ends with the next steps for the SC2 Initiative, which includes supporting the President's proposal to create Promise Zones to help communities hardest hit by the recession get back on their feet.

• Overview of the SC2 Initiative
• Accomplishments in the Seven Pilot Cities
• Policy Lessons and Innovations
• Next Steps for the SC2 Initiative