National Alliance Of Community Economic Development Associations

Advocacy: In 2024, the Community Opportunity Alliance advanced national advocacy on behalf of community-based development organizations. The Alliance engaged in direct policy efforts, contributing to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments reconsideration of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, participated in multiple coalition letters supporting affordable housing legislation, and hosted advocacy training at the People & Places Convening. The newly launched Community Development Voice Initiative amplified local practitioners perspectives on critical issues like the rise in insurance costs affecting affordable housing. These perspectives were shared with policymakers and media, resulting in national coverage including an article in the New York Times and a feature series in Shelterforce. The Alliance also began development of a comprehensive 2025 policy agenda in collaboration with the People & Places Collaborative, and will engage Community Development Voice representatives in response to the new presidential administrations priorities.

Grounding Values Research: The Grounding Values in Research program continued to strengthen the identity, visibility, and impact of community development organizations by producing thought leadership rooted in lived experience and community-based practice. In 2024, the Alliance released four webinars, including the widely attended Resident Voices and Money Meets Community sessions, reaching over 1,100 participants in total. A Shelterforce Under the Lens series further amplified the programs findings. The Alliance also progressed to Phase 3 of its research initiative, commissioning a series of issue briefs addressing topics such as workforce development, organizational models, and advocacy strategy. Looking ahead, the engagement strategy for this research will target national policymakers and funders, enhancing the fields influence in shaping equitable and resilient communities.

Lobbying: The Community Opportunity Alliance engaged in limited lobbying activities in 2024 as part of its broader mission to support equitable community development. These activities focused on educating policymakers and advocating for federal policies that expand affordable housing, strengthen community-based organizations, and improve economic opportunity in underserved communities. Key lobbying actions included communicating with federal agency officials and members of Congress to influence decisions related to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, federal housing tax credits, disaster recovery funding, and community ownership initiatives. The organization signed several coalition letters and joined national campaigns seeking increased appropriations for affordable housing programs and supportive legislation. All lobbying activities were nonpartisan, issue-focused, and represented a small portion of the organizations overall activities.