What to do with the money?

That's a question that cities around the nation have been asking themselves lately.

Last July President Bush signed the Housing and Recovery Act of 2008 into law. The legislation included funding for foreclosure assistance and relief programs.

Like any other city, Mesa has been trying to figure the best use of public funds.

In an article "City to Target Foreclosures in ZIP 85204", Gary Nelson of the Arizona Republic (Oct 17, 2008) explained the city's plan. In short, it is to use the city's allotment ($9.6 million) to concentrate on the area most affected by recent events.

By concentrating on this one area the city hopes to be able to have the greatest possible impact. Ray Villa, Mesa city services director said, "aiming the money at a relatively small area, rather than scattering it around the city"

The city is set to further flesh out a plan in the coming weeks and present it to council by November 20th.

Council meetings can be attended in person, viewed on cable or by streaming media here: Mesa City Channel.