For over 30 years, community development corporations (CDCs) have addressed problems of economic, physical and social distress in neighborhoods throughout Cleveland. They employ an approach that focuses on building assets for people and communities, the ability to leverage other resources for the community through public and private sources, and maintaining an ongoing presence in and commitment to the community and its residents.& CDCs build community leadership by empowering residents to take charge of their neighborhoods by turning the ubiquitous “Someone should do something” into “I am part of the solution”. CDC staff are talented, enterprising individuals who handle a multitude of challenges, from navigating governmental bureaucracies to organizing community festivals to managing real estate development projects.
Characteristics of a community development corporation include:
- Specific organizational initiatives take place within the broader context of comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategies.
- Residents assume leadership roles in the organization by serving on the board and identifying general priorities for the organization.
- Neighborhood needs are determined and targeted, often by residents.
- Operate from a clear and agreed upon mission.
- Nonprofit status, with funding secured from diverse sources, both public and private.