Neighborhood Planning and Development

National CAPACD is advancing comprehensive community development as an integrated approach that bridges the vision of our founding organizations with the direction of our coalition in response to ongoing gentrification threats in our neighborhoods. At its core, this approach places the voices of community members at the center of shaping their neighborhood’s future. As we have learned from the work of our more established organizations, community-led planning efforts and land ownership/stewardship can:

• Lead to equitable, culturally-informed development;
• Effectively address the displacement pressures and needs of historically divested and marginalized communities. 

Through peer cohort learning models and culturally-centered technical assistance, National CAPACD is developing capacity-building programs and increasing a broader peer learning network of both established and emerging place-based organizations engaged in this holistic approach: 

• Cultural Anchors Program – Launched in 2024 as a pilot, the Cultural Anchors Program provides sustained funding, focused peer learning opportunities, and technical assistance support for select organizations ready to accelerate their comprehensive community development work and advance their community’s place-based goals. These organizations engage in the intersectional work of small business district stabilization, creative place-making/keeping, community organizing, neighborhood visioning, and land-use issues. Our 2024-2027 cohort includes:
  • United Cambodian Community (UCC) (Long Beach, CA)
  • Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA) (St. Paul, MN)
  • White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA) (Seattle, WA)
    
• Peer Learning in Real Estate Development – National CAPACD offers learning and sharing opportunities for emerging organizations seeking peer technical assistance and resources for real estate readiness and established organizations seeking peer support from other experienced developers in a cohort setting.

To learn more about the Community Planning & Development program, please contact Roy Chan, Director of Neighborhood & Place-based Strategies, at roy@nationalcapacd.org.