Towards Comprehensive Community Development Practices: The Responses of Community Development Corporations

Author: Jessica M. Pitt

Dissertation School: Cornell University

Abstract:

This dissertation examines the shift currently taking place among community development corporations (CDCs) from a focus on the economic and physical revitalization of low income urban communities to more comprehensive approaches to community development. The goal of this research is to show how CDCs can strengthen their practice to meet the needs of today's inner city population and how they can more effectively leverage public and private resources for comprehensive community development programs. Specifically, it will explore three aspects of the shift towards comprehensive development approaches: 1) the strategies CDCs are adopting to meet the multi-dimensional problems of poor, urban neighborhoods; 2) the ways in which CDCs can develop the technical proficiency and organizational capacity to respond to the demands of comprehensive service provision; and 3) the ways in which institutional links with the public and private sectors and philanthropic foundations can be strengthened to support CDCs and bring a broader array of resources to bear on the problems of poor neighborhoods.

The proposed study will use a variety of complementary research methods. Telephone surveys will provide insight to the evolution of this shift and the range of strategies CDCs are implementing to provide comprehensive service provision. In-depth ethnographic case studies of three CDCs will show how the incorporation of new services has effected the organizational capacity of CDCs and their responsiveness to community residents. A quantitative analysis of CDC revenue sources will track the funding patterns by institutional supporters. Simultaneously, I will interview key actors from the public and private sectors and philanthropic foundations to understand the institutional response to supporting comprehensive development programs. Finally, a conference will be held with representatives from CDCs and their institutional supporters in order to create dialogue on how to strengthen links between them. This research will result in public policy recommendations that will enhance the practice of CDCs and foster closer linkages between CDCs and the public and private sectors and philanthropic foundations.

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