In Community Development in the 1990s, Chris Walker and Mark Weinheimer show how the National Community Development Initiative (NCDI) has successfully helped underwrite the efforts of community development corporations (CDCs) around the country.
Between 1991 and 1997, NCDI channeled more than $150 million in public and private funds to CDCs in 23 cities. The result: the development of more than 90,000 units of housing and substantial commercial, office and industrial space in low-income neighborhoods.
Walker and Weinheimer conclude that "NCDI has demonstrated that national funders, working through strong intermediaries, can build community capacity through increased coordination among local public and private institutions."
A major challenge for the future, the authors note, will be to keep capital flowing so that CDC's can continue their work. For an overview of policy challenges for CDCs, see the executive summary or read the report in full in a PDF document.
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.
