; (5) in order to avoid duplication of effort and achieve meaningful, long-lasting results, Federal, State, Tribal, and local economic development activities should have a clear focus, improved coordination, a comprehensive approach, and simplified and consistent requirements; (6) Federal economic development efforts will be more effective if the efforts are coordinated with, and build on, the trade, workforce investment, scientific research, environmental protection, transportation, and technology programs of the United States, including through the consolidation and alignment of plans and strategies to promote effective economic development; (7) rural communities face unique challenges in addressing infrastructure needs, sometimes lacking the necessary tax base for required upgrades, and often encounter limited financing options and capacity, which can impede new development and long-term economic growth; and (8) assisting communities and regions in becoming more resilient to the effects of extreme weather threats and events will promote economic development and job creation. (b) Declarations In order to promote a strong, growing, resilient, competitive, and secure economy throughout the United States, the opportunity to pursue, and be employed in, high-quality jobs with family-sustaining wages, and to live in communities that enable business creation and wealth, Congress declares that— (1) assistance under this Act should be made available to both rural- and urban-distressed communities; (2) local communities should work in partnership with neighboring communities, States, Indian tribes, and the Federal Government to increase the capacity of the local communities to develop and implement comprehensive economic development strategies to alleviate economic distress and enhance competitiveness in the global economy