News from Naceda
National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations January 31, 2017

Federal News

Policy Update

NACEDA is closely watching conversations regarding federal appropriations for housing and community development as well as proposed elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Trump administration is preparing dramatic cuts to the federal budget to reduce spending by over $10 trillion over 10 years, while also promising to increase defense spending and cut taxes for wealthy Americans. This means that the budget cuts will largely fall on critical safety net and other essential programs.

Now is a critical time for organizations to demonstrate strong support for an equitable federal budget and programs that support affordable homes and thriving communities. A host of critical sign-on letters are posted on our website. The headline letters ask Congress to protect non-defense discretionary spending and to lift the spending caps and fund HUD.

 

NACEDA News

Registration Opens Today For People & Places 2017

People & Places 2017 is the only national peer-learning event for placemakers –- leaders like you who improve lives and strengthen places. Join people from different regions, cultures, and national networks as they share what's working to advance prosperity and strengthen places for the people who live and work there. You'll expand your network of placemakers who are just a phone call, email, text or tweet away.

NACEDA Announces Year Two Of Emerging Leaders Program

Supported by Fifth Third Bank, the Emerging Leaders Development Program currently includes 25 community development association professionals from 17 states. The group engages in quarterly peer meetings and capacity building sessions to strengthen members' connection to the field, develop a network of peers doing similar work around the country, and increase associations' capacity to support local community development organizations. "Fifth Third is delighted to partner with NACEDA to invest in the next generation of leaders who are building sustainable communities, especially in the areas we serve," said Jeff Gatica, Vice President - CRA Strategies Director. NACEDA members are welcome to join. Contact NACEDA Membership Director Jeremy Brownlee at [email protected].

 

Member News

South Carolina Member Awards $100,000 In Community Health Grants

Four grassroots organizations each received $25,000 grants from the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) to improve health and decrease obesity in their communities. The grants are part of the Healthy Insights Program developed SCACED in collaboration with by the Mitre Corporation. Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the program demonstrates how public data sources can be used to guide community health initiatives. The grantees each did unique, upfront data analysis to illustrate how funds could improve health in their communities. The Healthy Insights announcement describes the initiatives developed by the Fresh Future Farm, the Chester County Literacy Council, A Father’s Place, and Mill Community Ministries.

Democracy Collaborative Toolkits Align Hospitals and Communities

Health systems are increasingly stepping outside of their walls to address the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to poor health outcomes, shortened lives, and higher costs. With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The Democracy Collaborative (a NACEDA member) created toolkits to accelerate a new model in healthcare that builds community health into core business practices. Hospitals Aligned For Healthy Communities toolkits are great resources for community development organizations interested in collaborating with health systems. The three toolkits help focus on (1) leveraging financial resources to lift up communities, (2) inclusive local hiring and workforce development, and (3) local and diverse sourcing.

American Public Health Association Calls for Community Development Collaboration

The American Public Health Association issued a policy statement calling for a dramatic increase in collaboration between the health and community development sectors. Among its 10 action steps, it urges hospitals and public health agencies to actively include community development corporations (CDCs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in community health needs assessment and community health improvement plans. It specifically calls on NACEDA and other national community development organizations to educate placemakers on the health field and its access points. Read Opportunities for Health Collaboration: Leveraging Community Development Investments to Improve Health in Low-Income Neighborhoods.

 

Partner News

Creative Placemaking Advances with Increased Funds and Knowledge

ArtPlace America plans to spend $9.5 million on creative placemaking projects across the United States. Community developers interested in partnering with artists to build stronger, healthier communities, should view the National Creative Placemaking Fund call for applications.

The National Endowment for the Arts recently published How To Do Creative Placemaking: An Action-Oriented Guide to Arts in Community Development. The book serves as a primer for those interested in bringing the arts to the community development as a tool to advance revitalization in an authentic way.

NACEDA draws significantly from ArtPlace and its grantees in order to build knowledge through our Creative Placemaking Immersion Program. The NEA funds and also advises the program.

Leaked Trump Document Reveals Potential Blow to Creative Placemaking, Arts

Leaked Trump Administration transition documents borrow language from the Heritage Foundation that -- if enacted -- would eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities and privatize public broadcasting. NACEDA is working closely with Americans for the Arts and others preparing for a possible response. A recent Next City article outlines how Our Town and creative placemaking have helped build under-invested places. A Hill article paints the political narrative of how such a move could be rolled out.

 

Job Postings

Energy Efficient Enterprises Program Coordinator
Mountain Association of Community Economic Development
Berea, KY

To post a job, contact Suzanne Gunther at [email protected]. A $25 donation is suggested.

To post a job opportunity, contact Suzanne Gunther. A $25 donation is suggested.

 

Funding Opportunities

Go to our website for current grant opportunities. The're updated throughout the month.