There are distinct differences between natural disaster response and recovery in rural and urban communities. How can community-based organizations better respond to disasters and help rural communities prepare before disaster strikes?
Community Land Trusts in the Age of Climate Change
With the intensification of weather patterns resulting from climate change, community land trusts perform vital functions that help people recover.
Disaster Aid Perpetuates Inequality
After natural disasters, recovery efforts tend to lift up those who have resources to bounce back quickly, but cement poverty for those with modest means.
Interview with Richard Baron, CEO of McCormack Baron Salazar
It still surprises many people that Richard Baron, the CEO of one of the largest for-profit affordable housing developers, got his start in the field supporting public housing tenants in a rent strike.
Q: Do inclusionary housing requirements make housing prices go up for...
A: No, they do not. Market-rate developers are business people. They charge as much as the market will bear. When housing prices go up . . .
Reawakening “Courageous Philanthropy”
A review of Courageous Philanthropy: Going Public in a Closely Held World, by Jennifer Vanica.
“So, what do you do?” How to Have Conversations about Homelessness
Conversations about homelessness with those outside the field’s bubble can be exhausting, but there are several strategies and techniques that can help steer the conversation in a productive way.
From Sustainability to Resilience
My first reaction to the emergence of “resilience” as a lens for viewing community development was mostly informed by skepticism.
Resilience 101
Community development fits well within the growing resilience movement—and connecting the two more explicitly could make their work even more powerful.
The Uncertain Flood Zone
Communities need accurate maps and more access to data to increase flood resilience—but right now FEMA's not providing that.
NOLA Brings a Holistic Focus to Resilience
Cities cannot weather the effects of climate change without going beyond infrastructure to address institutional racism, historical inequities, and access to physical and mental health services.
Designing for Climate Change
How can affordable housing be more resilient to extreme weather and better prepared to deal with the consequences of climate change?
To Build Affordable and Green, Consider Passive Houses
By building energy-efficient properties, Habitat reduces heating costs and frees up more than $100 each month for homeowners.
Buying Power: Why Nonprofits Should Own Their Space
Four reasons why organizations should consider owning property in the neighborhood they work in.
Moving Beyond Place-Based Community Organizing
How to train organizers to work across various communities, not just neighborhoods.
Q: Can Including Rent and Utility Payments in Credit Scores Reduce Racial Disparities in...
Including rent and utility payments in credit reports and scoring models can increase credit scores, and reduce racial disparities in credit scores.
Shelter Shorts
The Week in Community Development—May 17
Facial Recognition Tech and communities | The trauma effects of Hurricane Maria on children in Puerto Rico | Ithaca offers childcare at council meetings | A new healthcare partnership | Rural America | A blow to gig economy workers | More...