Community Development Corporations (CDCs) have been one of the most influential community development vehicles in the U.S. throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. These grassroots, non-profit organizations have successfully empowered disenfranchised residents of lower and moderate-income neighborhoods, to help rebuild numerous at-risk communities throughout the U.S. Community development in general, and community development corporations in particular, have proven to be vital components in the improvement of urban and rural U.S. neighborhoods. CDCs have worked to increase a community’s capacity to gain political resources, achieve economic and social goals, and participate efficiently and effectively in the American economy, by compiling economic toolkits and forging effective institutional partnerships and strategies.
