Economic Development

Economic activity is a crucial part of a healthy community, whether it’s access to quality jobs for residents, business support, or a functioning, diverse range of retail options.

Crossing Muddy Waters

Rose Johnson stands nervously in a crowded room in Gulfport, Mississippi, surrounded by out-of-towners. With $1,000 in her pocket, she competes in the local tax sale to buy property in the low-income neighborhood of...

Common Ground: Smart Growth and Affordable Housing

Smart growth and affordable housing advocates can work together.

Strengthening the CRA

In 1995, the last time federal banking agencies revised the rules of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), they promised to conduct a follow-up review in 2002. Now that 2002 is upon us, portions of...

CRA Survives Its Toughest Challenge

There is nothing more exhilarating than to be shot at without result. –Winston Churchill The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) has survived the most serious attack in its 22-year history. The financial services modernization bill was "probably...

Creating an Economic Development Policy Infrastructure

The last dozen years have witnessed the emergence of Community Development Corporations (CDCs) as leading developers of affordable housing in severely distressed urban and rural communities. This housing has helped to stabilize the physical...

Expanding the Scope of Community Development

More than four decades of suburban growth have moved demographic, political, and economic power from central cities toward their suburban counties. The change can be seen in the spatial segmentation by income and race,...

Community Baking at the Greyston Foundation

The Greyston Foundation blends personal transformation, entrepreneurship, and Zen Buddhist philosophy. They use a bakery to provide jobs to the homeless.

A National Commitment To Community Development

Last January, The New York Times Magazine published "The Myth of Community Development," by Nicholas Lemann. The article painted a gloomy picture of urban community development, citing failed programs and ever increasing neighborhood dissolution....

Toward Comprehensive Approaches for Strengthening Communities

Last January, The New York Times Magazine published "The Myth of Community Development" by Nicholas Lemann. The article painted a gloomy picture of urban community development, citing failed programs and ever increasing neighborhood dissolution.  At...

Rebuilding The Ghetto Does Work

Last January, The New York Times Magazine published "The Myth of Community Development" by Nicholas Lemann. The article painted a gloomy picture of urban community development, citing failed programs and ever increasing neighborhood dissolution.  At...

A Mobility Strategy Offers Real Choices

Last January, The New York Times Magazine published "The Myth of Community Development" by Nicholas Lemann. The article painted a gloomy picture of urban community development, citing failed programs and ever increasing neighborhood dissolution.  At...