PHILADELPHIA-The designation by the Obama administration last week of West Philadelphia as a “Promise Zone” has instilled a sense of hope in local government officials and community activists that this crime-ridden section of the city can be revived.

West Philadelphia was one of five "Promise Zones" named to receive additional federal funding geared at ending decades of decline in the impoverished section of the city, according to The Inquirer.

"This initiative right here, it's going to be an improvement and a blessing," says DeWayne Drummond, a lifelong Mantua resident and president of its new civic association. "A whole lot of community organizations are coming together and unifying and standing as one."

The West Philadelphia zone has 35,315 residents, covering all of Mantua and all or part of Powelton, West Powelton, and Belmont. Initially, the federal government says it will award bonus points in scored competitions for aid from 25 federal programs, giving the area a better chance to secure government money. The area will get five AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers, consideration for waivers from certain regulations, and unspecified technical assistance.

The administration contends Congress must act to offer tax credits to businesses that create jobs if Promise Zones are to flourish. See story in The Inquirer.