[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 147 (Monday, October 20, 2003)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2089] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING JAMES W. HEAD ______ HON. BARBARA LEE of california in the house of representatives Monday, October 20, 2003 Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James W. Head on the occasion of his retirement as President of the National Economic Development & Law Center (NEDLC). James has provided creative leadership and inspired vision for seventeen years. He leaves behind an organization that is nationally recognized for its success in creating strategies to address the economic and social conditions of low income and communities of color. James is a pioneer in the community economic development (CED) movement. Along with being NEDLC's longest serving President, he served on the Board of Directors of the National Congress for Community Economic Development and led the formation and served on the Board of Directors of the California Community Economic Development Association, it's California statewide affiliate. During his tenure, the CED movement grew to encompass over 3,000 organizations. Additionally, Mr. Head was instrumental in the expansion of the number of federally-funded legal services programs that provide CED representation and the formation and support of CED pro bono legal services within the private bar. He has also trained hundreds of law students in CED, and led the formation of numerous law school CED clinics and courses. Within his field, James is a national leader in developing new strategies for securing jobs for disadvantaged persons. He promoted the sector concept, which links low-income and communities of color with regional labor markets. Under his leadership, the National Network of Sector Partners, an association of over 150 sector practitioners, was founded. Sector initiatives are being used by public agencies, community groups and Workforce Investment Boards across the county. As well, James is recognized for his work in developing new tools for investment in low-income communities. He played a key role in the creation of the Community Capital Investment Initiative, a model program that will result in the investment of millions of dollars in the San Francisco Bay Area's poorest communities. Lastly, I would like to applaud Mr. Head for his efforts to promote the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 as a tool for bringing new financial resources to impoverished communities. James chaired the Consumer Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Board, promoting community banking and helping leaders understand the potential market in low-income areas. He served on the Board of Directors of the California Reinvestment Committee, a statewide advocacy organization that holds financial institutions accountable for meeting the banking needs of low-income communities. On behalf of the 9th Congressional District of California, I take great pride in joining his friends and colleagues to salute an extraordinary leader, James W. Head. ____________________