What is a CDC?

 

CDCs are community-based, nonprofit organizations that take a comprehensive approach to community revitalization. CDCs are typically involved in community building and address issues related to affordable housing and economic development.

CDCs are the result of organizing efforts in the 60’s to fight widespread poverty, decline of urban areas, discrimination, and lack of community control.

CDCs are usually run by a professional staff. They are locally-based and controlled – the governing board of directors are members who live in the community they serve, who have a personal interest in improving the community and often have intimate knowledge on how to do it.

Other board members represent businesses and institutions and bring valuable resources and insight to the community development process.

CDCs are inclusive and work to involve community residents in the community development process. CDCs are generally pragmatic and collaborative and work to bring people together. Residents work through CDCs to create physical, economic and social changes in their communities. These efforts are often aided by government and the private sector, including lenders, investors, property owners, developers, foundations, and others. CDCs are extremely effective at leveraging resources.

The following are some of the activities in which CDCs engage:

Development of Affordable Housing

  • Both multifamily rental units and single-family owner occupied housing
  • Creation of unique financing systems
  • Using multiple layers of public and private monies
  • Homeowner and tenant counseling
  • Property management and crime prevention

Economic Development

  • Producing commercial real estate (such as super markets)
  • Developing industrial parks
  • Owning or lending to business enterprises
  • Workforce development and job training

Community Building and Social Development

  • Connecting neighbors to one another and to their neighborhood
  • Organizing, facilitating public participation
  • Community planning, mediation, and advocacy
  • Networking, providing services and information

Action Research

  • Partnerships with local universities and schools
  • Program evaluations, comprehensive needs assessments
  • Track community change

[ top ]