GARY, Ind. (AP) – The federal government is adding Gary and six other cities to a federal program designed to spark economic growth and development.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development said Thursday the seven cities will participate in the Strong Cities, Strong Communities Initiative.

HUD says interagency teams of experts will work alongside city officials, community organizations, local businesses and philanthropic groups “to support the cities' visions for economic growth and development.”

It's not clear if any new federal funds will flow to Gary. HUD says the program has helped Detroit, Cleveland, New Orleans and four other cities already in the program “more effectively use more than $368 million in existing federal funds and investments.”

St. Louis, Rockford, Ill., and Flint, Mich., are among the other new cities to the program.