19.5 Understanding Community Development

Community development is the process of improving the quality of life for people within a community by addressing various social, economic, and environmental issues. This often involves creating sustainable solutions that enhance the overall well-being of residents and foster a sense of community.

Community development corporations (CDCs) are nonprofit organizations dedicated to this mission. They are essential because local governments—despite their efforts—often face limitations in resources, funding, and manpower. CDCs fill these gaps by focusing on specific neighborhood needs, leveraging community engagement, and attracting private investments for projects that might otherwise be overlooked.

CDCs can be especially important in large cities. Compared to large municipal governments, nonprofit CDCs typically work in neighborhoods and, ideally, can build much stronger connections to neighborhood residents, businesses, and institutions.

Their impact can be significant. By focusing on affordable housing, economic development, public space improvements, and social services, these organizations help create vibrant, thriving neighborhoods. Their work enhances residents’ quality of life and contributes to the economic and social health of the region.

Key CDCs in Cleveland

In Cleveland, several CDCs are making significant impacts on local neighborhoods:

• Northwest Neighborhoods – This CDC focuses on revitalizing the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood and other west side neighborhoods like Cudell and Edgewater, by developing affordable housing, supporting local businesses, and creating vibrant public spaces. Projects like the Gordon Square Arts District have transformed the area into a cultural hub, attracting visitors and new residents alike.
• Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. (BBC) – Serving the Central and Kinsman neighborhoods, along with Buckeye-Shaker and Buckeye Woodhill, BBC works to enhance the quality of life for residents through community engagement, economic development, and housing projects. Their efforts include the development of affordable housing units and initiatives like the Bridgeport Café, which provides healthy food options and job opportunities.
• Slavic Village Development – Focused on the Slavic Village neighborhood, this CDC works to revitalize the community by addressing housing issues, promoting economic development, and enhancing public spaces. Programs like the Slavic Village Rediscovered initiative aim to renovate vacant homes and attract new residents to the area.

Check out the entire list of Cleveland CDCs here.

CDCs in Akron and Youngstown

Community development efforts extend beyond Cleveland – with notable examples in Akron and Youngstown:

• Akron’s East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation (EANDC) – EANDC focuses on revitalizing the East Akron neighborhood by developing affordable housing, supporting local businesses, and providing community services. They collaborate closely with the city government on projects like the East Akron Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, which aims to improve housing quality and increase economic opportunities.
• Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) – In Youngstown, YNDC works to improve neighborhoods through housing development, economic revitalization, and community engagement. Their efforts in the Idora neighborhood include renovating vacant homes, supporting local businesses, and creating community gardens. YNDC collaborates with the city of Youngstown to align their projects with broader municipal goals.