JUNE 2012 

MACDC continues to successfully advocate on behave of the Small Business and Capacity Building Grant Program.  The Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation released a new Request For Proposals (RFP) for the program with $700,000 being made available to nonprofit organizations across the state to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. MACDC has advocated for this program since its inception in 2006 and it currently provides funding to over a dozen MACDC members.

"We are very pleased that MGCC has once again allocated funding for this vital economic development program and thrilled that they are increasing the funding level by 16% over the FY 2012 program," said MACDC President and CEO Joseph Kriesberg. "The funding increase is certainly needed and justified by the program's success in job and wealth creation."  Kriesberg also serves as a member of the MGCC board of directors, having been appointed to that position by Governor Deval Patrick in 2010.

The program is designed to provide technical assistance and training grants to help small businesses to create/retain jobs, secure new or increased financing for growth, achieve stability and viability, and increase the economic vitality of  the communities in which they are located. The program is particularly focused on underserved businesses with less than 20 employees and is part of MGCC's overall mission of supporting a vibrant and healthy small business sector in the Commonwealth through financing and technical assistance.

The Community Development Partnership Act (CDPA) was included in the House economic development bill (H.4119) which unanimously passed the House in May.  The bill is now being considered by the Senate which needs to take action before the end of the Legislative session on July 31 or else we will have to start over in January 2013. MACDC, its members and its allies are working with members of the Senate to secure its passage before the end of the session.  CDPA, which is sponsored by Representative Linda Dorcena Forry and Senator Sal DiDomenico and 46 co-sponsors, will support community led economic development initiatives through a strategic, market-based approach that leverages private contributions and builds strong local partnerships.

For more information about CDPA and how you can help get it passed this year, please contact Allison Staton. 

The Community Development Mentoring Program launched its fourth cycle earlier this year with 18 people participating in mentor-mentee relationships designed to enhance the preparation of mid to senior level professionals of color, who demonstrate leadership potential, for advancement and growth into positions of leadership and authority. The program facilitates effective and meaningful relationships between and amongst community development professionals and seeks to promote and support a culture of learning and mentoring within the community development field. The program seeks to

2012 Mentoring Program Participants:

Mentees

Anna Bromberg, CEDAC
Thadine Brown, MAHA Board member
Kimberly Burrowes, Clark University Grad Student
Jacqueline Butera, Consultant
Ricky Guerra, Dorchester EDC
Jacqueline Pina, NHS of South Shore
Kara Lane, CEDAC
Ronald Leaks, Groundworks Somerville
Vivien Wu, Asian CDC

Mentors

Pam Bender, MACDC
Leslie Bos, Recap
Angela Brown, Hyams Foundation
Antonio Torres, Mass Housing
John Fitterer, Nuestra CDC
Judy Jacobson, Mass Housing Partnership
Michelle Meiser, Allston Brighton CDC
MH Nsangou, Allston Brighton CDC
Rebecca Plaut Mautner, Consultant
Kenneth Willis, Federal Home Loan Bank

Vanessa Calderon-Rosada, Ph.D., CEO of IBA and Cambridge College President Deborah C. Jackson [Photo courtesy of Cambridge College].

Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Ph.D., the Chief Executive Officer of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA), received an honorary degree from Cambridge College for her work developing low- and moderate-income housing, providing support services to families, and promoting and preserving Latino artistic expression.     

Charles Rucks, Esq., Springfield NHS Executive Director and Springfield College President Dr. Richard B. Flynn [photo courtesy of Springfield College].

Charles Rucks, Esq., the Executive Director of NHS of Springfield and immediate past Chair of MACDC's Board, received a honorary doctor of humanities degree from Springfield College.  He was honored for his work transforming distressed neighborhoods by helping to create sustainable home ownership opportunities for families.    

This week the Patrick-Murray administration announced $105 million in affordable housing resources and tax credits to support housing construction, including 10 projects sponsored by MACDC members, including:

• Madison Park Development Corporation 
• South Boston NDC & Caritas
• Nuestra Communidad & Wise Development
• NOAH  
• Lawrence Community Works
• Hilltown CDC
• HAP  
• Better Homes Inc
• B'Nai B'rith

MACDC congratulates its members who received funding. MACDC also thanks the Patrick/Murray Administration for allocating an additional $10 million in state bond funds in order to fund additional projects. MACDC, and other housing organizations, have long advocated for such an increase.  DHCD was also able to fund additional projects thanks to the state legislature and the Governor enacting a $20 million increase in the State Low Income Housing Tax Credit earlier this year. At a time when the federal government is cutting housing programs dramatically, we are fortunate that state policy makers in Massachusetts understand the critical importance of affordable housing.

For more information on housing, contact Don Bianchi.

Please join us as we celebrate our Third Anniversary!

June 21, 2012; 9:30-11:30am

Goodwin Procter LLP (53 State Street, Boston, MA 02109)

You are invited to the Mel King Institute for Community Building's Third Anniversary celebration! Join us as we highlight our accomplishments of the past year and look toward the future. This year the featuring keynote speaker is Lauren Smith, MD, MPH, Medical Director of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Please click here for more information.

The Mel King Institute is already preparing an exciting fall curriculum.  Be sure to check out all the new courses being offered starting in September.  One already planned is: 

Rental House Development and Finance   

Date: September 25, 27, 2012;     

Time: 8:30am-5:00pm   

Location: Irish International Immigrant Center (100 Franklin Street, Lower Level 1, Boston, MA 02110)  

Instructor: Regina Celestin (National Development Council)   

MACDC's Calendar - promote your event  

MACDC provides a calendar on our website for members and supporting organizations to publicize their events including Annual Meetings, Ribbon Cuttings and fundraisers.  Several upcoming member events are: 

• June 21st - Codman Square NDC 31st Anniversary 6:30pm  
• June 28th - Fenway Ball 6:00pm 

MACDC members, please tell us about your events by sending an email to Rosa Nin.

MACDC's Job Postings