Community Development

Community Development is a key priority for local and state government agencies, focusing on improving the quality of life in communities through economic growth, housing, and social services. By fostering strong, vibrant communities, governments can address poverty, unemployment, and access to resources. This directory provides articles on community development and related topics like Economic Development, which explores strategies for job creation and attracting investments that drive regional growth.

The Stepping Up Initiative puts law enforcement in contact with local resources that can assist in the education and rehabilitation of inmates with mental health illnesses, including substance abuse, to help pave the way to lower recidivism rates.
Palo Alto is building a Transportation Management Association to oversee new initiatives aimed at making navigation throughout the city easier and more energy efficient
Several mayors across the country are testing innovative strategies and challenging the private sector to help solve problems impacting the community as a whole
Maria Koetter, Director of Louisville’s Office of Sustainability, discussed the city’s plan to reduce per capita energy use by 25 percent by 2025
Chicago collects real-time data on the city’s environment, infrastructure and operations to increase efficiency.
New York and New Jersey are investing in storm-proofing measures to be better prepared for inclement weather
The University of Buffalo has launched a food policy database to help local governments access information and resources
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will distribute federal grant money to 21 cities, conservation districts and other organizations throughout the state to support urban forestry projects
LiveWell Greenville was awarded a $1.4 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to build out its healthy play and healthy foods initiatives
Berkeley recently approved the nation’s first soda tax in an effort to encourage community wellness. What innovative policies could boost quality of life for your residents?
Baltimore is employing ex-convicts to reduce crime and violence in at-risk neighborhoods. Learn how these employees use their own experiences to put youth on the road to success
One study discusses how a city’s playability score impacts quality of life and economic growth. How playable is your municipality?
One sheriff’s department is creating a citizen-led posse to assist deputies during emergencies. How do you mobilize your citizens?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is committing $4.9M to 50 rural business and transportation projects designed to spur economic growth. Read about the different resources available to growing rural economies
A $75M Treasury Department grant will be divided among 12 Michigan cities looking to redevelop vacant or dilapidated buildings. Learn how federal funds continue to support recoveries from the housing crisis
DOJ’s COPS grant program helps local police departments deploy community policing principles with a focus on mental health issues. Are your law enforcement officers trained to handle mental health issues in the field?
NYC will spend $160M to equip police officers with the latest mobile technology. How can your law enforcement optimize real-time communication tools?