Hagatna restoration and revitalization: the work that never gets done since 1967

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Representatives from the Local Initiatives Support Corp. have arrived on Guam for a weeklong site visit to assess the Hagåtña Restoration and

Redevelopment Authority's capacity to receive technical assistance under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Distressed Cities Technical Assistance Program.

"This assessment is a critical step in preparing HRRA to access the technical support necessary for the restoration and redevelopment of Hagåtña," the governor's office said.

The HRRA was created in 1997 to develop a master plan for Guam’s capital village, including the revitalization of historical sites and the development of the overall land-use plan

Matrix Group, the consulting company contracted by the government of Guam for $1 million, released the first draft master plan for HRRA in 2005. The draft was updated in 2018 and again in 2022.

When Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero came into office in January 2019, one of her first actions was separating HRRA from the Department of Chamoru Affairs to enable the agency-- as an autonomous entity--"to focus solely on its mission of redeveloping and revitalizing Hagåtña."

 “We are honored to welcome the LISC team to Guam as we take this important first step toward building a strong foundation for HRRA," said Jillette T. Leon-Guerrero, HRRA executive director.

"Their expertise will help us ensure that Hagåtña’s restoration and redevelopment is driven by our community, supports sustainable economic growth and celebrates our island’s unique cultural heritage," she added.

According to its website, LISC's services include providing access to capital and connecting partners to resources.

The governor's office said the LISC team will engage with HRRA stakeholders, including local government officials, community leaders and partners.

"to better understand the resources and needs of the organization."

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