OUR APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT

The graphic below reflects the distinction between our approach to community development and the gentrification pattern that typically occurs in long-blighted urban areas. The differences between community-based development and gentrification are significant.

Here’s the process we follow in decisions and practices of development.

  1. Plan with and for neighbors and stakeholders as the primary assets of the neighborhood.

  2. Begin with the end in mind: a vibrant, culturally diverse, mixed-income community.

  3. Displace no one in housing development and advance strategies to discourage displacement if/once equity increases.

  4. Build first for affordability for low-to moderate income households—both for leased and owner-occupied housing.

  5. Encourage developing relationships between and among new and existing/legacy neighbors. This is the critical value added.