A purple/blue background. On the left, are yellow, red and purple houses. On the right, a big hand holding a gold compass that has small people gathering in a circular table.

Under the Lens

Moving Community Development Forward

In this series, we examine the state of the community development field, the challenges and tensions it faces, and some promising approaches to this work.

Which Way Community Development?

April 30, 2024 | Miriam Axel-Lute

The community development field is in an interesting and challenging spot right now. Our new Under the Lens series zooms in and explores this moment in the field.
On the top left, "Moving Community Development Forward" in white and orange letters. Below are orange and purple houses and buildings. On the right, a big hand holding a gold compass that has small people gathering in a circular table.

All Articles

sort by Date

Community Development Field

New Research Gives Different—But Complementary—Looks at the Community Development Field

May 6, 2024 | Miriam Axel-Lute

Three fascinating research projects take very different approaches to learning more about the sector, but many of the storylines they are surfacing are related.

A pyramid-shaped building, mostly white but blue at the top. In front of it is a tall sign that reads "Memphis" in capital letters, with a guitar standing in for the letter I. In front of that is a trestle of brownish metal, and crossing the view diagonally are five parallel power lines.
Research

What Do Residents Think of Community Development Organizations?

May 7, 2024 | Dominique Miller, Seth Beattie, Freda Epum and Francis Esmeralda Estrada

Research explores residents’ experiences with and observations about community development organizations in four cities.

Partial view of two houses, semi-attached. The one on the left has been updated and renovated and looks shiny and new. The one on the right is dilapidated, with broken orange roof tiles, grimy and boarded-up windows, and climbing plants taking over the walls.
Housing

In the Rush to Build, Existing Affordable Housing Is Falling Apart

May 9, 2024 | Priya Jayachandran

With attention—and funding—focused on new housing supply over preservation and operations, even mission-driven nonprofit affordable housing managers are struggling to maintain decent conditions in older affordable housing.

Community Development Field

Into the Spotlight: The Black Community Developers Group

May 15, 2024 | Miriam Axel-Lute

A conversation with Leatrice Moore, executive director of Black Community Developers Group, about the need for BCDG and plans for the future.

Shelterforce Weekly

Like what you’re reading? Subscribe and make sure you get new articles and more in your inbox every week.

Subscribe