Good Ancestor Movement’s Post

Let’s talk about housing. Why is it so expensive, and what can we do about it?   Our new video explores that topic, and gives some strategies for winning more affordable housing.   You can also read more on the fight for housing in our recent report with Race Forward, Root Causes of Housing and Land Injustice. We also recently published A Political Roadmap to Social Housing: How Do We Win? in Nonprofit Quarterly. This work was written by Peter Sabonis, Partner for Dignity & Rights Human Rights Development Program Director.   Looking back on the recent election, there were 30 state or local initiatives relative to housing put before voters on Tuesday and voters approved more than $1 billion in annual contributions for housing and agreed to over $275 million in local bonds for preserving rental housing, making improvements in public housing, creating or maintaining housing trust funds, and more.   Through organizing, mobilizing, working in coalition, and changing policy, we can change this system, and realize the human right to housing. Join us in this fight.   In solidarity,   Kesi Foster & Liz Sullivan-Yuknis Co-Executive Directors Partners for Dignity & Rights

In the dynamic landscape of community development, municipalities often turn to Economic Development Corporations (EDCs) as instrumental tools to foster growth, attract investments, and enhance the economic vitality of their communities. EDCs serve as conduits for targeted initiatives, partnering with public and private stakeholders to orchestrate projects that stimulate job creation, infrastructure enhancement, and overall prosperity. Click below to read more!

Big change starts with tiny whispers This is what living on an island of 191 taught me about getting buy-in to make a radical change "No" "Absolutely NOT" "I'll write your ticket off this island, Milly!" (yikes) That was the response when I suggested turning our unused church into a local store during a community meeting. (I live in a place with pretty traditional values, with a deep religious history) In the meeting minutes, I literally wrote: "okay, everyone hated the idea" 😂 But then something interesting happened.. In private - two whispered "its actually quite a good idea" Followed by three quiet nods in the village store that week and later.. a dozen hushed "actually..." The real work happened next: Registered my interest with estate agents They called to let me know the church was going on the open market in 3 weeks time (double yikes!!!) And so I chaired an urgent community meeting where 1/3 of the island showed up and was unanimously in support - we're moving forward (triple yikes!!) Reflecting back, these are my biggest learnings: 1. Public opposition often masks private support Don't give up if it seems the room is against you. Give them space to let it percolate. 2. Framing is everything. Instead of presenting it as 'let's buy the church to commercialize it,' I talked about 'keeping the church in community hands'. Suddenly, we weren't talking about scary change - we were talking about practical solutions and preservation. 3. Put everyone on the same side of the negotiation table Instead of me VS everyone, I framed it as us VS the problem. With the problem in front of us rather than between us, the entire room agreed - we should take it on. Yesterday I was invited to tell this story at the Community Ownership Residential (organised by Community Land Scotland & Scottish Rural Action) I cannot tell you how alive community ownership is in Scotland. I think it's a global anomaly! It's spectacular. It's truly one of my favourite parts of living here, and the reason I feel such a deep connection to place. We have ownership over our local community. We have agency. We know that we can band together and say, 'hey, we don't want to see our church be turned into (another!!!) second home Let's do something about?' And now we have. The community is buying the church ♥️ Now I know this sounds kinda unusual to most people, so ask me anything! I'd love to bring more community action lessons into my LinkedIn feed. It's basically my part-time job 😂 , and I think there's so many things the digital world could learn form rural highland and island communities doing extraordinary things. Let me know if you'd like this? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Thanks so much to Artemis & Meg for having me.

If you were asked which cities are the best in Georgia for families, which areas would you list? According to Norada Real Estate Investments, Alpharetta is one of the best cities in Georgia for families thanks to multiple outdoor areas, an engaging downtown, top-rated schools, a unique range of available homes and a booming economy. The City of Milton provides that small-town feel with a welcoming downtown, outdoor adventures like the Chattahoochee River, fun community events, award-winning schools and a close-knit community. Learn why Alpharetta and Milton are two of the best cities in Georgia for families:

Veteran Housing Corp says that IF YOU ARE NOT PART OF A PERMANENT AND LASTING SOLUTION TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS AND HOMELESSNESS, YOU ARE THE PROBLEM! THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX IS BROKEN AND NOT WORKING FOR AMERICAN TAXPAYERS Veteran Housing Corp would ask every TAXPAYER to demand and get answers from their elected and appointed government officials the below questions as they relate to any affordable, workforce, or supportive housing project in your community! 1. How much local, state, and federal funding, tax credits, or other government benefits or incentives did the project receive? 2. What is the affordability period for each project? Is the affordability period permanent and in perpetuity? 3. What guarantees exist have your local, state, and federal government officials obtained in writing that rents will not go up or that tenants will not be displaced or evicted after the "affordability period expires? Every local, state, and federal housing authority and affordable or workforce housing stakeholder should adopt the State of Vermont's "permanent affordability" policy as a model for all future government funded or subsidized housing projects or developments, no exceptions! https://lnkd.in/eFEUC8c8 Additionally, local, state and federal housing agencies should look to the Helsinki, FINLAND MODEL of ending homelessness by providing affordable housing for all 'It’s a miracle': Helsinki's radical solution to homelessness https://lnkd.in/er9HZSQU Even the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development AGREES THAT adopting FINLAND'S MODEL OF ERADICATING HOMELESSNESS may be of great value to resolving the affordable housing and homelessness crises in America https://lnkd.in/gkSZWYRU

Monday night's community conversation on affordable housing, hosted by People United and The Gathering Spot, was nothing short of inspiring. 🙏🏽 As I listened to the panelists and engaged with fellow attendees, it became clear that our collective goal is to build a city that works for everyone, a city of opportunity for all. The event shed light on the remarkable progress Atlanta has made in addressing affordable housing. Over the past two years, we've delivered an impressive 5,000 units, with another 4,000 underway. 📈 This achievement is not just significant for Atlanta; it sets a powerful example for cities across America. But affordable housing is more than just numbers. 🔢 It's about creating vibrant, thriving communities where every resident has the opportunity to succeed. As Terri Lee, CEO of Atlanta Housing, aptly put it, "If we keep talking about units and don't seize the opportunity to use housing as a catalyst for economic freedom, then we've missed the mark." 💬 The conversation delved into the heart of the issue, highlighting the importance of ensuring that no one pays more than 30% of their income towards housing and transportation. This is especially critical for families earning less than $30,000 a year, who often struggle to find affordable options in today's market. Affordable housing isn't just a policy; it's a fundamental human right. It's about providing stability and security to those who need it most. And as we work towards this goal, I want to commend Mayor Andre Dickens for his unwavering commitment and leadership. Special thanks to the panelists and hosts—Ryan Wilson , Julius Thomas, Courtney English, Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEcD, and Terri Lee—for their invaluable insights and dedication to this important cause. 👏🏽👏🏽 Let's continue this conversation and work together to ensure that every resident of Atlanta has access to safe, affordable housing. #AffordableHousing #CommunityConversation #AtlantaLeadership

Seattle's Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) is facing a critical challenge. In our latest op-ed, Amy Sundberg argues that City Councilmember Maritza Rivera's proposed amendment could halt funding for essential community projects, including affordable housing, cultural centers, and community gardens. The EDI aims to address issues of displacement and loss of access to opportunities for communities of color by providing those impacted with funding to invest in purchasing real estate and developing projects that give residents better access to housing, jobs, education, food, and cultural expression. "When combined with the deletion of all new anti-displacement strategies from the draft comprehensive plan that will shape the future of Seattle’s growth for the next two decades and rumors of the City Council considering taking back the $27 million promised to participatory budgeting projects, it is easy to wonder if our elected officials are taking seriously an ongoing commitment to invest in Black and BIPOC communities," writes Sundberg. Read the full op-ed and learn about how you can take action to support EDI on the Emerald linked below. /// The South Seattle Emerald is committed to holding space for a variety of viewpoints within our community, with the understanding that differing perspectives do not negate mutual respect amongst community members. The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the contributors on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the Emerald or official policies of the Emerald. /// #Voices #SeattleNews #SeattleCityCouncil #MaritzaRivera #EDI #Equity #Seattle #SouthSeattle #SouthEnd

Crain's Detroit Business wrote an article about the CCF and the significant growth and impact the Chaldean community has had on the South East Michigan economy. This is what advocacy, acculturation, cultural preservation can do for community development at large. Be sure to check the article for more information about the Chaldean community and the CCF's plans for the future!

Why Community Participation is Critical in Redevelopment - "And what you could miss out on if you don't!" In any community, the decisions about redevelopment—whether it’s infrastructure improvements, housing, or business support—directly impact the people who live and work there. Yet, without active participation, these plans may not fully reflect the community's needs or culture. Here’s why it’s important to engage: Missed Opportunities: By not participating, communities might miss out on valuable programs that could improve housing, businesses, and public safety.  Loss of Identity: Without local input, redevelopment plans risk diluting the unique character and history of the neighborhood.  Lack of Buy-In: Projects without community support often face challenges during implementation, leading to friction and slower progress. The CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) relies on local input to make impactful changes, but if the community remains disengaged, it’s harder to address longstanding issues. Whether it’s attending local meetings, volunteering, or simply staying informed, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we can build a future that benefits everyone. Get involved and help shape a brighter, safer, and more prosperous community. Isn’t that what you want? #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #CivicEngagement #Redevelopment #Leadership #Dunbar #CommuniTEA

Equitable and fair access to affordable homeownership is a springboard for families to build intergenerational wealth and drives better economic, health and educational outcomes. The housing affordability crisis in the U.S., driven largely by a shortage of affordable entry-level housing and rising prices, is disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable groups — households of color and low- to moderate-income households. Learn more about how Habitat is committed to removing barriers to affordable homeownership for the most vulnerable communities across the U.S. https://lnkd.in/ehArdw2h