Community Development University is a series of learning and networking sessions to help build a better understanding of the work of Community Development in Philadelphia. These sessions will focus on key issues and policies facing our neighborhoods, and the critical role of Community Development Corporations (CDCs) and other grassroots organizations in building a more vibrant, equitable city.

Our goals are to foster a strong, shared understanding of the Community Development landscape and challenges and build important relationships so that the new City Council, Administration, and community-based organizations can work closely together to positively impact communities in neighborhoods across the City. We cordially invite you to participate in this effort.

PACDC, Ceiba, LISC Philadelphia, Regional Housing Legal Services, Urban Affairs Coalition, and Urban League of Philadelphia have scheduled 4 Sessions in early 2024 around the most important Community Development topics with experts/practitioners who will share insights and open up dialogue. This will also be an opportunity for all Council offices to gain shared knowledge and build collaborative relationships that will get impactful things done.

The first 3 sessions will be held around lunch and the 4th session will occur later in the afternoon followed by an early evening Reception with additional invited guests.

Please register for any or all of the 4 sessions below, as well as the Reception:

1) Introduction to Community Development, Tuesday, January 30th from 12-2PM

• The Community Development landscape in Philadelphia
• The role of CDCs, CBOs, and how they are funded
• The role of foundations, CDFIs, and other intermediaries
• The role of government

2) Affordable Homeownership Housing, Wednesday, February 14th from 12-2PM

• Production of new units of homeownership housing
• Preservation, home repair, and sustainability initiatives
• Housing Counseling/Services (first time homebuyers, foreclosure prevention, tangled titles, and tax relief)
• Financing & Housing disparities in Philadelphia

3) Affordable Rental Housing, Wednesday, February 21st from 12-2PM

• Creating new units of rental housing
• Preservation of existing units of affordable rental housing
• Housing Services (eviction diversion and tenants' rights)
• Homelessness

4) Community Economic Development and Commercial Corridors, Wednesday, February 28th from 4-5:30PM

• Corridor Management 101
• Commercial Real Estate & Mixed Use Development
• Small Business Assistance & Access to Capital

Reception, Wednesday, February 28th from 5:30-7PM