(9/2014) -- The Obama Administration invites a new round of eligible applicants to apply for a Promise Zones designation. All communities can apply that meet the eligibility criteria, and demonstrate high need, a strong local commitment and a compelling strategy. HUD intends to designate six urban communities and USDA intends to designate at least one rural and at least one tribal community. In his 2013 State of the Union address, President Obama announced that he would designate 20 Promise Zones nationwide: urban, rural, and tribal communities where the Administration would partner with local leaders to create jobs, increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, and reduce violent crime.