Community leaders work to transform housing in rural communities
CEDAM's second Rural Real Estate Boot Camp highlights the importance of collaboration among developers, municipal leaders, and state agencies for successful housing development.
Block by Block
Block by Block is a solutions journalism series that is supported by CEDAM, Michigan CDFI, and Invest Detroit, and is focused on community development leaders and initiatives in Michigan.
How a national partnership is solving the $2.8 billion childcare crisis for employers and working parents
The Investing in America Child Care Partnership is addressing the national child care supply crisis by fostering collaboration among public and private funders, government agencies, employers, and child care providers.
Michigan Communities Tackle Housing Crisis with Zoning Reform and Collaboration
Outdated zoning ordinances can limit housing development. However, the efforts of community organizations to make zoning more inclusive, and recent legislative initiatives aimed at increasing housing density and diversity, could be a gamechanger.
Preserving Homes, Changing Lives
IFF, a Community Development Financial Institution, empowers underserved communities through flexible, nontraditional lending. By supporting organizations like Family Promise and Detroit Phoenix Center, IFF is helping prevent displacement, expand services, and break down barriers. Their unique, mission-driven approach enables organizations to support more people and create lasting, positive community impact.
OppFund looks back on impact with 40th anniversary; new leadership looks to continue legacy
For more than 35 years, Christi Coady Narayanan led the transformative work of the Opportunity Resource Fund (OppFund), as the President and CEO of the nonprofit community development financial institution. She retired last month, passing the torch to the new President and CEO Byna Elliott, to continue the organization’s unwavering commitment and innovation in empowering individuals, businesses, and communities all over the state.
Regional Housing Partnerships do the critical work locally to move needle on Statewide Housing Plan
Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan was released in June 2022, almost three years ago. A little over the halfway point of the comprehensive five-year plan, stakeholders and collaborative partners look at just how critical regional housing partnerships are in their own communities — moving the needle forward across the entire state.
CEDAM Bootcamp alumni make real community impact through development, place-based solutions
For Jubek Yongo-Bure and Dakota Riehl, attending the CEDAM Real Estate Development Boot Camp a few years ago was critical to their careers. Learning the ABCs of community development served as a catalyst to inspire and reinvigorate the important work done in neighborhoods. These former students have even gone on to become presenters at the immersive educational conference, showcasing their personal full-circle moments of growth and career development.
Partner Partner Content Nonprofits and neighbors provide insight, pride, propel 49507 community development
IFF, a community development financial institution based in Illinois, has invested and shown a commitment to uplifting communities by providing financial support all over the state, including Grand Rapids neighborhoods. Part of IFF’s investment in Grand Rapids has been focused on the 49507 zip code, centered in a collection of neighborhoods southeast of downtown Grand Rapids. They're working with local nonprofits including Amplify GR and LINC UP and neighborhood residents to help propel development.
IFF’s community development in Fort Wayne
Community development requires a large amount of heart and passion for a community, but it also requires a lot of financial funding and logistical support. Through the Fort Wayne community, investments from IFF have helped revitalize historic landmarks including The Landing and provided an investment in future generations with the Bridge of Grace early childhood center.
Partner Partner Content Growing fruitful neighborhoods: IFF’s commitment to Eastside Detroit
For the past 10 years, IFF has been investing and committed to providing community financial support across Michigan, including Eastside Detroit neighborhoods. Some of their latest projects fill the gap by providing high-quality accessible, affordable childcare at Detroit Prep, and McClellan Early Childhood Center.
