| Carol Wayman spoke about the role of the National Congress for Community Economic Development (NCCED) as a trade association for Community Development Corporations (CDCs). The 360 CDCs across the country work with low income communities to develop businesses and housing, serving as a broker between communities and industry, and a lender to small businesses. Since CDCs already have a presence in their communities, they can serve as valuable partners in TCSP projects by providing an avenue for public involvement. The NCCED has created 250,000 jobs, mostly in the communities directly served by CDC member organizations. It has developed 71 million square feet of commercial and industrial space and approximately one third of the nation's affordable housing, and has made $1.9 billion in loans to small businesses.
Ms. Wayman gave several examples of the types of projects with which the NCCED and CDCs involve themselves. These projects are consistent with the goals and objectives of the TCSP program in addressing transportation issues and fostering livable communities. In Oakland, California, an abandoned train station was reclaimed and converted to a pushcart market. In San Diego's Highway 10 project, construction was negotiated to be underground rather than bisecting an ethnically diverse community, and a soccer field was built and maintained above the new highway. In Lynnwood, Ohio, abandoned and underused housing projects were converted to single family homes. In Kansas City, Missouri, a deal was brokered with Sprint to locate a call center near an available work force. Small business development efforts have been promoted through projects such as the Minnesota Arrowhead CDC's van service project.
Ms. Wayman discussed the possibility of partnering with Community Development Corporations. They already have a presence in the community and can give planners access to community groups and populations that might be otherwise overlooked. Potential applicants can find CDC partners in National Directory for Community Economic Development published by the NCCED.
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