Urban Groups Seek US Funds

"I have no confidence that the governor even knows about this request and what we've been pursuing," Jones said. "This is just a fly on the hide of this whole thing."

Representatives of the nonprofit groups, who have met with administration officials - including Patrick's stimulus czar, Jeffrey Simon - say the organizations are vital to the community during a down economy, yet have serious physical infrastructure needs that jeopardize the delivery of services. The lobbying by community activists also spotlights the delicate relationship between the state's first black governor and city neighborhoods with large numbers of African-Americans.