February 2026 MKI and Leadership Development Updates
Featured Professional Development workshops:
-
March 11: Small Business Technical Assistance Certificate Program begins
Featured Community Leadership Academy workshops:
Learn more about our upcoming workshops and events here!
MACDC’s Organizer’s Peer Group, March 26, 3:30-5 pm
We are relaunching the Organizer’s Peer Group! The first meeting will be on Thursday, March 26, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm. Individuals across the broad range of experience and background engaged in all forms of community organizing and outreach across our CDC network are welcome to join!
This group will be a space for peer to peer learning, where participants can share resources, brainstorm solutions, ask for support with challenges, and collectively identify topics and guest speakers for future sessions. Everyone will have the opportunity to contribute as both a learner and a resource to others.
The meeting will be facilitated by Viana Nascimento, MACDC’s Leadership Development Manager, and co-chairs Bonnie Bastien, Somerville Community Corporation’s Manager of Community Building and Organizing, and Andrea Grimaldi, Jamaica Plain NDC’s Director of Community Organizing.
SIGN UP HERE to join our mailing list and receive details on participating in the meeting, accessing the discussion board, and other updates!
For CDC Board Members:
Introduction to Community Economic Development for CDC Boards
This workshop is an exploration of contemporary community development and aims to provide CDC Board Members with an understanding of the work and equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of this field and drive positive change within communities.
In this session, Mel King Institute Director Shirronda Almeida will cover:
-
History: First we will define community development and delve into the origins of the field.
-
Ecosystem and Key Players: Learn the community development landscape and the roles of different entities.
-
Core Values and Goals: The session will review the fundamental principles that guide community development work.
-
Types of Community Economic Development: We will review the areas of community development such as real estate development, community engagement, small business, capacity building and advocacy.
-
Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations: We will invite participants to discuss the various challenges and opportunities in the field.
Free registration and available to all Board of Directors of MACDC member and associate member organizations
Effective Board Structures and Meetings
March 16, 4 pm - 6 pm
Board members must understand their roles, as well as the functions and benefits of different board structures and procedures. Well run board meetings are essential to avoid delays in decision making and to support organizational effectiveness. This workshop provides board members with practical tools to lead and participate in focused discussions, ensure meetings end with clear responsibilities and shared understanding, and embed equity principles in both board structure and day to day operations.
Participants will learn how to prepare for meetings, present information clearly, develop effective agendas, use consent agendas and dashboards, support strong meeting facilitation, and contribute to a productive and equitable board culture. The workshop is led by Viana Nascimento, Leadership Development Program Manager at MACDC’s Mel King Institute, who brings extensive experience as a nonprofit board member, facilitator, and equity practitioner.
Free registration and available to all Board of Directors of MACDC member and associate member organizations.
Introduction to Affordable Housing Finance for CDC Boards
April 6, 12-2 pm
This two-hour workshop gives board members a clear introduction to how affordable housing is financed in Massachusetts, with a focus on the key decisions and responsibilities that matter most for nonprofit developers. The goal is to help board members feel more confident and prepared to engage in discussions about their organizations’ development projects.
Laurie Gould from VIVA Consulting will explain the major funding sources for affordable housing, including mortgage debt, federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and state and local soft financing. We will also review how organizations cover their costs and generate revenue during both development and operations. The session will walk through the typical cash flow timeline and highlight the risks at each stage: predevelopment, construction, lease up, and operations. We will also discuss sponsor responsibilities related to financing, including predevelopment spending, guarantees, and long-term asset management.
Available to all CDC Board Members. Registration fee: $25 for one, $20 if registering 5 or more people at a time
Introduction to Affordable Housing Development for CDC Boards
May 4, 12-2 pm
This two-hour workshop is intended for board members who want an overview of the issues that boards typically address when their organizations develop affordable housing. These issues include creating your organization’s vision for these projects: who do you want to serve, where, and with what types of housing, and understanding the roles and responsibilities of boards, including their fiduciary responsibilities and how these differ from those of staff.
In this webinar, Louise Elving will address the variety of rewards organizations may pursue beyond creating the housing itself, such as financial return to your organization. Conversely, what risks may you encounter, from financial exposure to opportunity cost? In addition, the webinar will give you an overview of the wide range of public requirements involved in affordable housing development, identifying some key issues you may need to consider as board members (for example, balancing wealth-building and long-term affordability in homeownership projects).
Available to all CDC Board Members. Registration fee: $25 for one, $20 if registering 5 or more people at a time.