About CDS | Community Development Solutions, LLC

About Us

Community Development Solutions, LLC (CDS) is a consulting firm that helps public agencies and partner organizations strengthen the systems that shape how communities grow and thrive. We specialize in designing frameworks, policies, and processes that make complex community development programs work—efficiently, compliantly, and with measurable impact.

Founded in 2024, CDS builds on decades of leadership experience in government and nonprofit management. Our team brings a deep understanding of HUD-funded programs and local implementation, combining regulatory expertise with strategic insight to improve performance, accountability, and results.

We believe that sustainable community progress begins with strong systems. Through targeted analysis, customized training, and collaborative planning, CDS equips organizations to operate with clarity, consistency, and confidence—turning community development goals into achievable, lasting outcomes.

Meet Our Founder and Principal

Alana C. Green is the Principal of Community Development Solutions, LLC, a boutique management consulting firm that partners with public agencies and community-based organizations to strengthen operations, ensure compliance, and deliver meaningful impact in communities across the country. With over two decades of experience in housing and community development, Alana is a recognized HUD subject matter expert, known for her ability to lead complex projects with clarity, empathy, and precision.

Through her firm, Alana provides expert guidance on compliance reviews, policy and procedure development, operational planning, and staff training, with deep expertise in programs such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), CDBG-Disaster Recovery, Public Housing, and Housing Choice Voucher. She also facilitates strategic planning processes, especially for nonprofits navigating leadership transitions, helping teams build alignment and move forward with purpose.

Before launching her consulting practice, Alana served as Executive Director of the St. Louis Housing Authority, where she managed an $85 million annual budget and oversaw more than 9,000 housing units. Previously, she led the City of St. Louis’ Community Development Administration, directing over $50 million in federal funding annually and shaping citywide urban development policy.

Alana holds a Juris Doctorate with a concentration in Urban Development, Land Use, and Environmental Law, as well as a Master of Public Administration from Saint Louis University. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Truman State University.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Builders Network of Metro St. Louis and DeSales Community Development, contributing to regional efforts to improve housing access and neighborhood stability.

Her leadership and impact have been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2024 Distinguished Social Action Award from the Missouri Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Celebration Commission, the 2023 Community Impact Award from Park Central Development, the 2019 Impact Partner Award from the Housing Partnership, and the 2017 Excellence in the Public Sector Award from the Community Builders Network.

Outside of her work, Alana enjoys traveling, curating warm and beautiful spaces at home, and spending time with her family. She finds joy in storytelling, personal growth, and building genuine connections—values that shape her approach to leadership and life.

CDS Core Values

We believe that every community has the potential to thrive, and we’re dedicated to making that vision a reality.

Accountability

Holding individuals and organizations responsible for their actions and decisions within the community.

Collaboration

Fostering cooperation among different stakeholders, organizations, and individuals to achieve common goals.

Empowerment

Ensuring that all community members have a voice and can participate in decision-making processes; providing the tools, resources, and opportunities for community members to take control of their own development.

Participation

Encouraging active involvement and engagement of community members in planning and implementing projects.

Professionalism

Demonstrating the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to perform consistently, effectively, and with excellence, communicating clearly and honestly, both in written and verbal communication.

Respect

Valuing and celebrating the differences in culture, background, and opinions within the community.

Social Responsibility

Advocating for fairness and the protection of human rights within the community.

Sustainability

Promoting practices that ensure the well-being of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.