The Emergence Of The CDC Network

Grassroots groups, developers, bankers and others are sharing knowledge and collaborating on campaigns to change state and local community development policies.

1 minute read

January 26, 2006, 1:00 PM PST

By David Gest


"An estimated 3,000-plus community development corporations (CDCs) are now active across the United States. In the last 15 years, as CDCs have matured, the CDC network has emerged as a political force in several states, regions and metro areas. Networks bring CDCs together to share ideas and learn from each other, and they also give CDCs power by enabling them to flex their collective muscles in the public policy arena. At a time when CDCs’ funding, and their ability to revitalize neighborhoods, is in some doubt, networks have become critical agents of change. As membership organizations, networks build members’ capacity to carry out their particular mission, but they also advocate for and develop policy changes that benefit low-income communities as a whole."

Thanks to David Holtzman

Friday, December 15, 2006 in Shelterforce Magazine

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