2006 Annual Report (copy)
Files
MACDC-GOALS.08.pdf
Journal of Commuity Power Building
(Adapted from the Power Journal's Editors Letter)
The fourth edition of The Journal of Community PowerBuilding is a publication that chronicles power building within the neighborhoods of Massachusetts’s community development corporations(CDCs). With each edition of the Power Journal, we are collecting stories about community development “from the field.” They are written by CDC staff, board members, leaders and program participants and they document successes, reflections, and frustrations. We hope that over time, the Power Journal will become a critical reservoir of field observations about the community development field. In this issue, we talk about building relationships and revitalizing our communities, and specifically empowerment. We want to empower the communities in which we live and work;we want people to be empowered to effect change in their lives. We use empower so frequently that we can take its meaning for granted,and never fully understand the relationships that we have created when we empower others, become empowered ourselves, or build power together. But these relationships can be fragile, as we bring into them our own needs, expectations, and abilities and must mediate these with the needs, expectations, and abilities of others. Some of the questions we posed in this year’s call for papers: How do we build relationships in a healthy community?
How does your position as a staff member or an activist affect your role in the power-building relationships you develop in your community?
How do you feel community empowerment benefits you, either materially or spiritually?
We hope you enjoy the Power Journal! Please contact shirrondaa@macdc.org for a complimentary copy.
Files
2008-Power-Journal-IV-final.pdf
Small Cities Report
Many of Massachusetts' smaller cities offer an interesting opportunity to apply the best current thinking about smart growth development to the pressing need for more housing of all types. Yet, these very cities have often been overlooked in policy formulations geared toward the thriving Boston metropolitan market and expanding suburban market. Often bypassed by the economic boom of the 1990s, many smaller cities are still struggling to make the shift from a manufacturing economy to one that is more diversified.
This project begins an effort by Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) and the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC) to examine the policies and practices that support small cities as they make the necessary transition to a more diverse economy. Some communities have begun to turn the corner, and we believe that targeted policies and resources can assist struggling communities to rebound without displacing current residents. This report examines recent demographic and economic trends among these cities, and shares lessons and best practices for economic revitalization from six cities in particular: Fitchburg, Lynn, New Bedford, Salem, Springfield, and Waltham.
Files
Final_Small_Cities_Report.pdf
Small Cities Report Appendicies
Files
Small_Cities_Appendices.pdf
2006 Annual Report
Files
MACDC_AR_Final_2006.pdf
Journal of Community Power Building
In the third edition of The Journal of Community Power Building, the writers explore the definitions of community and community boundaries: who are the people with whom CDCs work? When a CDC carries out leadership development or speaks of pursuing justice, who does it involve in its action plans? Who perhaps is excluded from its outreach?
The Editorial Board, a volunteer committee of CDC staff, leadership and allies, felt that this was a theme that could cross many communities and experiences. In the articles that we received, it became clear that the term community carried a deep emotional resonance with the writers. Although the questions posed have an analytical tone, many of the articles discussed community in terms of belonging and a sense of family. The importance of personal relationships is almost a clich� in the community development field. Nevertheless, these essays reiterate this point on a visceral level and remind us that, for all ages, personal relationships and a stake in a community is the power that drives community change.
The Journal is writen by local CDC staff and leadership, community leaders, board members, and youth organizers.
The Journal is on sale for $5 each (group discount available). Please contact Shirronda Almeida@ shirrondaa@macdc.org to purchase your copy.
Files
PJ_2006_Fnl_copy.pdf
GOALs 2006 Report
To further expand our impact, in November 2002, MACDC and our CDC members launched a collective effort to revitalize communities across the state. The MACDC GOALs Initiative - Growing Opportunities, Assets, and Leaders across the Commonwealth - set specific numeric targets that CDCs hoped to achieve in six areas of community development during 2004 and 2005. This document is the full-text report of our results.
Files
MACDC_Goals_FINAL_2006.pdf
Inclusionary Zoning Report
While the lack of affordable housing in Boston has been a chronic problem, recent years have proved critical to a workforce that has struggled to find homes that it can afford. In 2004, nearly half (47%) of Boston tenants spent more than 30% of their incomes on rent. Many families are paying beyond their means to stay in Boston, while others, especially young professionals, are leaving the city in search of cheaper housing. Between 2000 and 2004, Boston lost 18% of its population aged 20 to 34 and 11% of its overall population.
The City of Boston has employed its Inclusionary Development Policy to combat this problem. The policy requires developers to set aside 13% of each residential project as affordable housing in exchange for increased density allowances and other negotiated cost-offsetting bonuses. The City targets these affordable units to moderate-income and middle-income families, those earning up to $99,000.
Boston's policy has brought about measured success, having produced more than 600 affordable units and raised $11 million toward affordable housing production since 2000. However, cities across the Commonwealth and across the nation have generated higher production rates and stronger earnings, demonstrating that there is room for improvement here in Boston.
Files
IZ_Report_-_final_version.pdf
The Costs and Benefits of Green Affordable Housing
Our partners
in the Green CDC Initiative, New Ecology, Inc. and the Tellus Institute, have
completed and released a study entitled The
Costs and Benefits of Green Affordable Housing. The study
contains 16 case studies of affordable housing projects from around the country.
This 200+ page report includes in-depth analysis of the long-run financial
implications of greening each project and Net Present Value projections for each
project. In addition to case findings, we have included sections on
recommendations for advancing the green agenda in affordable housing as well as
areas for further research. This is the first study of its kind looking at green
affordable housing from a costs and benefits perspective. The Study can be
accessed through the New Ecology website at www.newecology.org.
RHICO Power Journal | Oct '05
The Journal of Community Power Building is an exploration of power building among community development corporations (CDCs) and their leaders, working to achieve significant change in urban and rural communities throughout Massachusetts. In the first volume of the Power Journal, contributors were asked to explore fears and ambivalence about power in the move toward community change. In this second volume, we ask people from the community development field - leaders, organizers, as well as other staff members - to define justice, and describe how it informs the work they do.
Note: for proper printing, select "print two pages per sheet" under your print options menu.
Files
Journal_Comm_Power_final_layout.pdf
Housing on Hold | July '05
In February 2005, the Romney Administration decided to withhold state and federal funding for the construction of new state-assisted homes being developed for sale to first time homebuyers. This decision has put a freeze on the development of such homes by the state's community development corporations (CDCs) and other developers of affordable housing in the state. In total, 19 CDC projects in 10 communities totaling 286 units are now at risk as a result of the Administration's actions. The State and federal housing funds being withheld by the Romney Administration are used to make the homes affordable to moderate income families. Most of these homes would be affordable to working families making approximately $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
Authors: Don Bianchi, Kelley Whitmore
Files
Housing_on_Hold.pdf
Assets in the Commonwealth report | June '05
This report explores what Community Development Corporations (CDCs) contribute to the workforce development system in Massachusetts' neighborhoods, towns, and regions. This report argues that CDCs are assets in the state workforce development system because CDCs create and administer programs for low- and moderate-income workers to build individual skills, to connect people to job and social networks, and to expand working people's assets and opportunities.
Author: James Stevens
Files
Policy_Memo_v9lowres.pdf
2005 GOALs Campaign report (summary) | '05
To further expand our impact, in November 2002, MACDC and our 60 CDC members launched a collective effort to revitalize communities across the state. The MACDC GOALs Campaign - Growing Opportunities, Assets, and Leaders across the Commonwealth - set specific numeric targets that CDCs hoped to achieve in six areas of community development during 2003 and 2004. This documents summarizes our results.
Files
MACDC_Goals_6_21_05.pdf
2005 GOALs Campaign Full Report | '05
To further expand our impact, in November 2002, MACDC and our 60 CDC members launched a collective effort to revitalize communities across the state. The MACDC GOALs Campaign - Growing Opportunities, Assets, and Leaders across the Commonwealth - set specific numeric targets that CDCs hoped to achieve in six areas of community development during 2003 and 2004. This document is the full-text report of our results.
Files
MACDC_GOALs_Report_2005_Final_Printed_Version.pdf
Annual Report | '05
This document summarizes and chronicles the accomplishments of MACDC in our 2004 fiscal year.
Files
MACDC_AR_05_FINAL_2.pdf
MACDC Strategic Plan 2004-2008
Our current strategic plan seeks to build on our long standing strengths, solidify our recent growth and changes, and lay the groundwork for adapting to the new economic and political realities that confront us. This plan states our vision, values and mission, and details the focus of our work for the 2004 - 2008 period.
Files
MACDC_strategic_plan.pdf
Journal of Community Power Building | May '04
The Journal of Community Power Building Represents a collaborative effort of RHICO organizers, executive directors and leaders on their experience and reflections on their community development efforts and neighborhood revitalization projects.
Files
MACDC_strategic_plan.pdf
2004 GOALs Campaign Report (summary) | '04
This document summarizes the accomplishments of our member community development corporations during 2003. Using empircal data, it measures the success of CDCs in terms of homes built or preserved, jobs created, local businesses supported, families assisted, investment leveraged and community leaders engaged.
Files
year_1_results.pdf
Getting Results: A Small Business Development System That Works - 2003
This paper outlines the challenges in our current small business assistance delivery system and recommends solutions to streamline the system and reach more entrepreneurs across the state. The paper won and honorable mention in the Pioneer Institute's 2003 Better Government Competition.
Authors: Joe Kriesberg, DeAnna Green and Chris Sikes
Files
small_business_paper.pdf
RHICO Documentation Report | '02 - '04
This report specifically reflects on the work of the nine MACDC-funded CDCs during the 2002-2004 period as seen through the lens of their struggles and accomplishments.
Files
RHICO_2002-4_Documentation_Report.pdf
