Community-based development has become a major revitalization tool for aging neighborhoods and
towns throughout the world, especially for neighborhoods within older industrial cities. It is a
tool for redirecting contemporary economic and political forces so that their energy is used to
better the welfare of individuals, families, groups, and communities. It is a tool best wielded by
a special kind of versatile professional who possesses competence in both the processes of grass
roots decision-making and the varied technical skills of community and economic development. The
Center for Community Development was established to facilitate this development through provision
of related continuing education and training, graduate level education, and the conduction of
studies to extend this knowledge base.
Professionals working in this field must possess the following necessary technical skills which
include, but are not limited to, organizing the construction of affordable housing; expanding and
initiating small businesses; connecting unemployed persons with training and jobs; community
organizing; linking with the critically allied fields of economic development, education, family
development, health, and human resource development; and planning and promoting private and public
projects that help achieve social equity through redistribution of resources.
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