Organizational Changes among Cdcs: Assessing the Impacts and Navigating the Challenges

ABSTRACT:

Since the 1970s, community development corporations (CDCs) have gained skills, visibility, and prominence in their efforts to rebuild very low-income distressed communities. While the net number of organizations has increased, there has been a certain degree of flux, with some organizations going out of business, while new ones have been created. Although many CDCs are financially sound, some are facing significant financial problems that threaten their viability. When confronted by serious challenges, CDCs may be forced to go out of business, downsize, or merge with one or more other groups. This article focuses on how CDC failures, downsizings, and mergers affect individuals and communities served; how the work of CDCs can be supported by their local community; and how CDCs and their support community can anticipate and prepare for the possibility that some organizations in their area may need to dramatically change their operations. The final section explores how, if change is inevitable or desirable, CDCs can best navigate and steer the process.