To inform all Bucks County communities of the objectives, mission and vision of the Redevelopment Authority and the opportunities available through its programs and projects plus the advantages available to Bucks County communities through the special powers of the Authority in eliminating blighted properties and revitalizing underused or vacant areas. The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Bucks strives to inspire community development by establishing communities that are recognized as outstanding assets through comprehensive approaches that coordinate housing rehabilitation, economic development and the opportunity of family sustaining employment in the County of Bucks. The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Bucks is empowered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through Act 385, more commonly known as the "Urban Redevelopment Law". The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed the Act on May 25, 1945. Redevelopment Authoritys operate in situations where the private sector and/or local governments cannot effectively perform. Since its creation in 1962, Bucks County Redevelopment Authority has eliminated blight and provided affordable housing to county residents. We improved more than 1, 700 homes Bucks County homeowners and hundreds of rental properties for low and moderate-income residents. Additionally, the Authority has been instrumental in the rehabilitation and reuse of abandoned industrial and commercial sites all over Bucks County. Although the Redevelopment Authority is an arm of Bucks County government, it is not funded directly by county tax dollars. The Authority is funded through the administration of projects and programs. The Authority operates very similar to a small business by obtaining funds for operational costs through the development and implementation of specific projects. The similarity ceases at that point as the Authority only operates on blighted, deteriorated or abandoned properties in cooperation with the local, county, state and federal governmental organizations having jurisdiction or at the invitation of a Bucks County property owner. Many of the areas of Lower Bucks County have been in a state of extreme transition over the course of several decades resulting in significant job losses in that time period. Some twelve to fourteen thousand jobs have been eliminated between the closing of the Naval Air Warfare Center in Warminster Township, the downsizing and closing of hot end steel making by U.S. Steel in Falls Township, as well as numerous other large industrial operations that continued to be negatively affected by the circumstances. Meanwhile, a substantial number of deteriorating buildings, both industrial and residential, became vacant and blighted providing a need to be removed or rehabilitated and reused. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT It is desirable to link housing rehabilitation with economic development initiatives in the same areas, providing a strong base for home-ownership and proper maintenance of existing housing stock. Clearly, one of the most significant problems facing many Bucks County communities is employment, especially the provision of family-sustaining jobs. This goal is achieved through the development of new business and the expansion of existing businesses. This entails ensuring proper funding, adequate managerial support in key positions, and preparation for economic downturns, including the ability to adjust to market changes. The Authority recognizes the importance of business and job opportunities now and in the future. Continuing to provide employment remains a major concern in Bucks County with corporations downsizing, restructuring, and laying off employees. The Authority endorses aggressive economic development programs that offer industry incentives for retention, expansion and initiatives to attract new business. A mix of manufacturing, service and high-tech employment opportunities are imperative, including jobs that encourage personal growth a