What is Community Development? Community development refers to the process of improving the economic, social, and environmental well-being of communities through collaborative efforts. It involves empowering residents, fostering local leadership, and creating sustainable solutions that enhance quality of life. This approach often includes strategies for affordable housing, job creation, and infrastructure improvement, emphasizing the importance of community participation and partnership among stakeholders. Why is Community Development Important?
Community development organizations in Ohio strive to ensure the state has a strong and resilient economy that benefits all residents, supported by thriving and equitable urban neighborhoods and rural communities. Community development empowers residents to participate in decision-making, fostering ownership and pride, leading to vibrant neighborhoods, reduced poverty, and enhanced quality of life for all.
What Role Does Ohio CDC Association Play? Ohio CDC Association (OCDCA) advocates on behalf of CDCs and their communities to create public policy and a regulatory environment that will assist CDCs to be successful in their mission of revitalizing and strengthening communities. Through the Ohio CDC Association's Policy Committee, our members help guide the organization's state policy advocacy and engagement on critical federal policies. The committee discusses and evaluates proposed legislation that may impact Ohio's community development field and supports the development of new policies that would have a positive impact on Ohio's CDC sector.
What Policy Issues Impact Our Members the Most?
Based on our 2024 Policy Survey, these are key findings that we received from members:
Top three ways organizations are involved in housing development:
Advocate for housing policy, construct/rehab housing, provide advocacy support for local projects
State programs members utilize the most:
9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Housing Development Assistance Program, Housing Assistance Grant Program
Of the 48 respondents, 64% found absentee owners and LLCs to be an issue impacting housing in their area. 18% found it to be somewhat important.
Of the 18 respondents that manage housing units, 89% feel rising insurance costs are impacting housing units that they own or manage.
Funding priorities ranked by importance by organizations:
Funding for CDC capacity building, funding for housing rehabilitation, funding for home repairs
Policy issues ranked by importance by organizations:
