NCCED CONCLUDES 35 YEARS OF ADVOCACY AND ACTION

By action of the Board of Directors, which was ratified by the membership, NCCED formally closed down the organization and its office on August 31, 2006, due to a lack of financial support. NCCED has transitioned its community economic development work to various CED industry practitioners who will continue NCCED's work for the field. They include the 12 State CDC Associations, NeighborWorks America, National Community Reinvestment Corporation (NCRC) and Southern New Hampshire University. Please contact these groups for more information.  

Our thanks go to the many people, organizations, foundations and government agencies who partnered with, supported and encouraged NCCED through the last 35 years. Community economic development remains an important aspect of building vital and thriving under-resourced communities, and others are urged to take the lead in advocating for economic equality.

And a special thanks to NeighborWorks America for its commitment to host NCCED's Web site to carry forward the legacy of education and information to NCCED members and practitioners in the field.   For more information, click here

NCCED Unveils Fifth National Community Economic Development Census

Washington, DC (Tuesday, June 27, 2006) NCCED released its Fifth National Census.The report "Reaching New Heights", measures the quantitative achievements of community-based development organizations.  The new census--the fifth since 1988--records significant increases in the number of homes and apartments produced, commercial and industrial space developed, and jobs created by community development organizations. To download a copy of this report, click here.

HISTORY AND LEGACY OF NCCED

The convergence of the civil rights and community organizing movements served as the backdrop for the creation of NCCED in 1970. It was formed by fourteen CDCs funded through the federal Office of Economic Opportunity's Title VII program to be a voice for community development initiatives. NCCED opened its Washington, DC office in 1971 with the aid of a foundation challenge grant and the group's own funds. Over the years, NCCED evolved, adding a wide range of programs and services for member organizations and serving as the voice of community economic development at the national level.

NCCED had a major impact on the evolution of the field through its publications, training and networking activities. At its peak, during the 30th Anniversary in 2000, the organization had over 800 members and a 26 person staff, and represented the almost 3,000 CDCs across the nation.

NCCED's publications-and more recently its web site-have been especially important in advancing the field. Key among these are the five Census surveys detailing the activities, products and services of the community development field.

In countless ways, the linkages and sharing of information at NCCED conferences and other gatherings assisted member groups and spurred the evolution of community economic development into a major industry. With the help of foundations and corporations, NCCED contributed to important aspects of the field:

• Assisted in the development and support of state associations and related regional and local community economic development institutions

• Developed the Human Capital and Emerging Leaders Initiatives to bring the next generation of leaders into community development and build the professional capacity of the field, in partnership with colleges and universities

• Helped bring a focus on the unique community development needs in rural areas

• Developed pioneering work with faith-based community development groups long before it became popular, and provided tools and training through the Faith-Based Academy

• Served as a strong voice in the national arena and in Congress, insisting that community economic development outcomes be considered in both short- and long-term planning.

• Worked effectively with federal, state and local governments, financial institutions and related parties to provide resources for and investments in community-based economic development initiatives

NCCED Announces Family Strengthening Award Availably