Throughout my more than 20 years in community development, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact that grassroots efforts can have on neighborhoods. Community Development Corporations (CDCs) have been at the heart of this work, driving positive change and fostering stability in ways that no other entity can. Yet, in recent years, their significance has been overshadowed as local governments increasingly attempt to take on roles traditionally filled by CDCs. While well-meaning, this approach risks disrupting the ecosystem that allows communities to grow and thrive.
In St. Louis, it’s crucial for all of us—government officials, corporate leaders, and other stakeholders—to recognize the value that CDCs bring to the table. These organizations are deeply connected to the neighborhoods they serve. They’re often born out of necessity, driven by the very people who live and work in these communities. This kind of organic foundation gives them a unique ability to identify and address local needs effectively.
A perfect example is DeSales Community Development, one of the oldest CDCs in St. Louis. Decades ago, this organization emerged from the efforts of parishioners at DeSales Catholic Church. Since then, it has understood the community’s challenges and was among the first to utilize Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to revitalize neighborhoods. Today, DeSales, a non-sectarian non-profit organization, continues to develop, own, and manage affordable housing, proving that locally driven initiatives have staying power.
For CDCs to thrive, they must remain free of political influence. Their mission is too important to be caught up in partisan agendas. They should be focused on what they do best: listening to residents, fostering partnerships, and implementing solutions that improve lives. That said, CDCs cannot do this work alone. Governments must create policies and fund activities that strengthen the community development ecosystem. Policies should be designed to support and uplift these organizations, not burden them with unnecessary red tape. When government steps back and empowers CDCs rather than competing with them, everyone benefits.
For-profit corporations also have a critical role to play. Businesses can provide funding for community projects and encourage their employees to serve on CDC boards. This isn’t just charity—it’s an investment in the long-term health and stability of the neighborhoods where they operate. When corporations engage meaningfully with CDCs, they help create a cycle of growth and opportunity.
Across the country, the most successful CDCs share a common thread: they balance technical expertise with the voices of the people they serve. Their boards are diverse, their roots run deep, and their work is guided by the needs of the community. Governments, corporations, and CDCs each bring something unique to the table. By working together, they can create lasting change. Building strong communities requires all hands on deck.
Here in St. Louis, we have the opportunity to champion the work of CDCs and the practitioners who make it possible. By respecting their role, supporting their efforts, and fostering genuine collaboration, we can ensure that our neighborhoods continue to grow and thrive. The work of building stable communities is never done, but with the right partnerships, it’s work that can transform lives for generations to come.