I’ve made a list of best practice organizations engaged in community development intiatives across the country. As a keen student of community methodologies and best practices, I’ve enjoyed keeping track about the work of these organizations and resources. Hope they are helpful to your work!

Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation: The Allston Brighton CDC based in Massachusettes, is one of those rare CDCs that not only focuses on affordable housing and economic development initiatives, but also engages in community organizing.

Christian Community Development Association: This association started by the Dr. John Perkins is an umbrella organization for faith-based community development organizations across the country. CCDA’s philosophy can be found in a document written by Dr. Wayne Gordon, Pastor of Lawndale Community Church, (Chicago) here. The website also contains information about their annual conference which might be of interest to some of you.

Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI): This organization is nationally known due to the seminal book, Streets of Hope, which is a must read for all those intending to work in the community development field. Based in one of Boston’s poorest neighborhoods, DSNI works to empower neighborhood residents to create a safe, affordable neighborhood. DSNI works hard with neighborhood residents so that they are leading and facilitating community change efforts. Unfortunately, this website is not well designed…

Homestretch, Inc.: A comprehensive program which provides services for homeless families in Falls Church, Va. Recently, Homestretch was on the three nonprofits in the country to receive the first ever national seal of excellence from the Standards of Excellence Institute.

National Community Renaissance: Because I am big believer in mixed use development, I thought I would highlight a best practice organization that does this work. This national affordable housing corporation owns 8,594 units and houses more than 27,000 individuals in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, and Texas. The National Community Renaissance was formed recently when the Southern California Housing Development Corporation and National Housing Development Corporation merged. Using the organizational creativity and expertise of these two organizations, National Community Renaissance continues to create innovative mixed used developments across the country.

National Housing Institute: Based in New Jersey, the NHI publishes a magazine, titled Shelterforce, which can be found on the desk of most community development professionals across the United States. NHI’s site contains some important research on Community Development Corporations (CDCs) and affordable housing.

Pratt Center for Community Development: Named after the great visionary and philanthropist, Charles Pratt this organization works through equitable economic development and environment sustainability to facilitate community health for New York City neighborhoods. I recommend reading through their publications which has some excellent research reports on their work.

Umpqua Community Development Corporation: Looking for excellence in historic preservation? This CDC works in southwest Oregon. Umpqua has received national recognition for their work in historic preservation. In 2005, they received HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation.

Other pages of information:

Government Resources

Intermediary Organizations

Mixed Income Development

New Urbanism

Research Resources

Trade Associations