Posts by Community Progress
A Word From Our CEO
Dear Fellow Impact Makers, We are in a pivotal moment. Too often in our history, crises like the current COVID-19 pandemic have been followed by profound inaction and avoidable missteps that we only acknowledged and addressed in retrospect. Yet, we know better. We know that the collaborative spirit of communities, nonprofits, and funders drove innovation…
Read MoreCommunity Development Is Crucial in This Moment
The pandemic is highlighting the crucial necessity of community developers’ work. Here’s what the field will need to play its part in the recovery. One month ago, when I began the first draft of this article, the world was drastically different. Well before we became part of this new reality, I felt an urgency to reflect…
Read MoreA Love Letter to the Next Decade of Community Development (from Shelterforce)
I’m in love. When you wake up every day knowing that what you do helps improve people’s lives and where they live, it’s one of the best feelings on earth. After witnessing years of hollow promises from political and business leaders who promised to “make communities better,” I get a deep satisfaction from being a…
Read MoreProblem to Purpose: From Landlord Neglect to a Circus for Youth
Newburgh’s Creative Solutions to the Vacancy and Deterioration Challenge Kids flying through the air on isn’t uncommon in one community north of New York City. There, residents and leaders converted a vacant lot owned by a negligent landlord into what’s known today at the Zip Zap Circus — a circus for social change that works…
Read MoreEvent Update – Cornerstone Webinar Postponed, Recordings Available
To our Community Progress Partners and Supporters, As we all face the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we know you are playing vital roles in your communities, engaging in crucial tasks aimed at protecting public health and safety. To show our support, we have made the decision to postpone our upcoming Cornerstone webinar, Strategic Code Enforcement: Building a “3-E” Ordinance Program – Equity, Efficiency, and Effectiveness; originally…
Read MoreCommunity Progress Joins 200+ Nonprofits in Supporting “Charitable Sector: COVID-19 Relief and Economic Stimulus Package”
The Center for Community Progress is proud to join more than 200 fellow nonprofits including Smart Growth America, Habitat for Humanity, United Way Worldwide, Meals on Wheels America, and Girl Scouts of the USA in requesting support for a $60 billion infusion of support to nonprofits to enable them to help the most vulnerable…
Read MoreDorothy Mae Richardson: Honoring the Woman That Helped Shape Community Development
Women’s History Month, which began in 1987, is a month-long celebration of women’s contributions to society, whether in the arts, sports, politics, or music. This month offers us the opportunity to reflect and remember those, often overlooked and underacknowledged, trailblazers who created new paths for past, present, and future generations of women. This month, the…
Read MoreProblem to Purpose: Indiana Teens Recycle to Turnaround Vacant Lots
Tired-A-Lot Transforms Vacant Properties While Creating Youth Volunteerism Teaching teens to give back can yield more than positive values and great character; it can help change a neighborhood. Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and Northeastern University show there are positive connections between youth volunteerism, health, and academics. One hybrid group of local officials from the Zoning Land Use…
Read MoreProblem to Purpose: Teens Create Deterioration Answers in Colorado Springs
A Camera and $500 Turn into a Deteriorated Property Solution “Eventually the youth started asking, ‘Why can’t we just make the changes?’” explained Mia Ramirez of The Colorado Trust. That one powerful question spurred a student group from the Leaders Engaged and Amazingly Determined (LEAD) in Colorado Springs, Colorado to improve a deteriorated property in…
Read MorePower of Placemaking – What Vacancy Victories from Massachusetts, New York, and California Taught Us
From increased fire outbreaks to elevated safety concerns, there’s no secret property vacancy can weigh down a community. But, how can communities lift themselves up? What are the keys to turning a vacant lot or building into an asset? The answers may vary for each community (and we’re here if you need help with your…
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