In witnessing the ongoing gentrification pressures compounded with the lingering effects of the pandemic on our communities, one of the strategic priorities National CAPACD identified in 2023 was establishing an integrated neighborhood, place-based program approach. To that end, National CAPACD is working towards a more holistic approach, comprehensive community development, to invest in AA and NHPI neighborhoods and place-based communities. Comprehensive community development bridges our founders' vision with our coalition's direction in response to current threats in our neighborhoods. Evidenced by the decades of local experience from our founding community-based organizations, comprehensive community development can (1) lead to equitable development and (2) effectively address the displacement pressures and needs of historically divested and marginalized communities. 

With comprehensive community development as a strategic priority, National CAPACD works closely with our place-based organizations, deploying capacity-building programs and increasing a broader peer learning network of established and emerging place-based organizations engaged in this approach. This includes the intersectional work of small business, creative placekeeping, neighborhood stabilization, neighborhood planning and development. This work advances our collective vision for increased community cohesion and connection, community wellness, community self-determination, stabilized/thriving small business districts, equitable access to housing, transportation, improved public safety, and preservation of community culture. 

Photo from UCC, Cambodia Town Night "Marklet"

National CAPACD Announces Cultural Anchors Program
One of our newly launched pilot programs is Cultural Anchors, which offers sustained investment and supports to build the capacity of invited AA and NHPI-serving place-based organizations to advance comprehensive community development through the integration of five core strategies: community organizing, community planning, small business district stabilization, creative placemaking/ keeping, and community real estate development. Based on need, readiness, and opportunity, National CAPACD has invited three organizations to participate from 2024 to 2027: Asian Economic Development Association (Little Mekong, St Paul, MN), United Cambodian Community (learn more about Cambodia Town, Long Beach, CA), and White Center Community Development Association (learn more about White Center, WA). In our partnership to help these organizations achieve their three-year community development goals, National CAPACD further aims to advance peer learning and field building for our broader place-based network of organizations.

National CAPACD Launches Real Estate Project Managers Learning Space
In the coming months, National CAPACD is also initiating other learning resources and peer spaces that might help support comprehensive community development efforts within our coalition. One such space is our quarterly Real Estate Project Managers Learning Space, intended to provide project managers a space to connect, share neighborhood real estate development approaches, and problem-solve current financing and construction challenges. This learning space launched its first meeting last month, in which Little Tokyo Service Center shared about their recently completed infill development project in the historic First Street North block of the Little Tokyo neighborhood of Los Angeles. To learn more, email Director of Neighborhood & Place-based Strategies, Roy Chan.