MACDC Mission

MACDC is a membership organization that seeks to build and sustain a high
performing and adaptive community development sector that is supported by
private and public investment and sound public policies. We advance racial and
economic equity by creating healthy communities where everyone lives in housing
they can afford, benefits from economic opportunities and can fully participate in the
civic life of their community.

MACDC's Vision for Massachusetts 
We envision a Commonwealth of interconnected communities where people of
different incomes, ethnicities, races and backgrounds live with dignity and fulfillment.


We envision communities that encourage all residents, including once disenfranchised
residents, to participate in civic processes that define the physical, economic,
educational and cultural characteristics that distinguish these communities.


We see a Massachusetts where all people build assets and realize the benefits of a
healthy economy which provides full employment at good wages, stable housing at
affordable prices, and strong public supports for human needs.


We see a community development movement led by a diverse and democratic
leadership that is at the forefront, in both substance and process, when determining
public policy and development priorities that serve the long-term interests of
communities.


We envision government and the private sector working in partnership with the
community development movement to achieve excellence in the projects we
undertake and to promote a true "common wealth" for all who live in Massachusetts.

Core Values Guiding MACDC

• Community Leadership: We believe in building the power and leadership of
  communities in Massachusetts by fostering connections and supporting civic
  participation by all residents, in particular those who have traditionally had less power
  such as people of modest income, people of color, immigrants, tenants, youth and the
  disabled. We believe community residents should have a decisive voice in shaping the
  future of their communities and their own lives and the ability to create local
  organizations through which they can work together to achieve common goals. 
• Economic Opportunity: We believe that everyone deserves a fair and genuine
  opportunity to participate in the economic mainstream and achieve economic security.
  This means that we must provide the access and the tools that enable people to
  succeed and address structural obstacles that prevent many of us from fully benefiting
  from the economic opportunities available in our communities. 
• Inclusion: We seek to create inclusive communities where all people are welcomed
  regardless of their ethnicity, race, income, age or abilities. We seek to create a
  community development field that is reflective of the people we serve.
• Innovation: We value inventiveness, ambition, creativity and the ability to take
  risks as distinguishing characteristics of the community development field. We are
  committed to finding new and innovative ways to achieve our goals in response to the
  changing context for our work.
• Performance and Accountability: We believe in promoting excellence in both
  process and production. Our field is defined by our ability to achieve tangible,
  sustainable results -- new homes, jobs, businesses and investment -- while upholding
  a participatory and transparent process that ensures accountability to the local
  community, public agencies, private investors and other stakeholders. 
• Collaboration: We believe that collaboration is essential to building stronger
  communities and achieving our vision for greater economic opportunity. We build and
  sustain local, statewide and national collaborations and networks that enable our
  members and others to make more efficient use of limited resources while achieving
  greater impact and addressing regional and national challenges.