Preface
NCDI's founders articulated two primary goals: (i) assist the development and maturation of CDCs and local systems that support community development; and (ii) increase the availability of usable long-term financing for CDC-developed projects. The Preface outlines NCDI's goals and implementation strategies.
Executive Summary
The National Community Development Initiative (NCDI) has invested more than $150 million in community development corporations (CDCs) and related community development activities in 23 cities. Our conclusions about NCDI's impact on CDCs and the local systems that support them are highlighted in the Executive Summary.
Chapter 1: Community Development and the Nonprofit Sector
With a rich and varied history, CDCs have built a 25-year track record of successful neighborhood revitalization. Chapter 1 reviews CDCs' roles in community development and identifies recent national trends in the field, particularly an upsurge in federal housing dollars.
Chapter 2: CDC Capacity
Most of the activities supported by NCDI are designed, in one way or another, to build the capacity of CDCs and the local systems that back them. Chapter 2 examines significant changes in CDC capacity since 1991.
Chapter 3: Capacity-Building Programs
CDCs have made measurable progress over the past six years—especially in producing housing and gaining access to funds for neighborhood development. Chapter 3 examines the common elements of successful CDC capcity-building programs.
Chapter 4: Production Systems
NCDI cities have made considerable gains in delivering affordable housing to low-income neighborhoods. Chapter 4 examines those advances, with a special look at the revolution in housing finance that is fueling increased CDC production.
Chapter 5: CDCs and Community-Building
Solving the problems of poor neighborhoods requires much more than physical redevelopment. A wide array of other supports—from public safety to job training—must be provided. Chapter 5 reviews the pros and cons of CDC expansion into community-building.
Chapter 6: Community Development Strategies and System Leadership
Support for CDCs among city governments and other local institutions has grown substantially. Some cities have adopted revitalization strategies giving a major role to CDCs. Chapter 6 assesses the strength of that newfound support and measures its impact on CDC productivity.
Chapter 7: Policy Recommendations
How can we do community development better? Chapter 7 reviews some troublesome signs suggesting that CDC gains may not be long-lasting and recommends steps to reinforce CDC strengths.
Appendix: Evaluation Methodology and Explanation of System Rating Factors
The appendix presents the variety of methodologies used to collect and analyze the information contained in this report.
Community Development in the 1990s, by Christopher Walker and Mark Weinheimer, is available from the Urban Institute Press (paper, ISBN 0-87766-695-4, $20.00). To obtain a copy call (202) 261-5687 or 1-877-UIPRESS.
