Build. Live. Develop. Grow.
BLDG Memphis is a coalition of organizations and individuals who support the equitable redevelopment of healthy, vibrant, attractive, and economically sustainable neighborhoods throughout Memphis. Formerly called Community Development Council of Greater Memphis, we began as and are, at our core, a membership organization specifically designed to support community development corporations (CDCs) as they invest in and drive further investment into disinvested neighborhoods. While our CDC members conduct a number of community development activities, developing affordable housing, counseling future homeowners, providing access to home ownership and improvement financing, improving public spaces and corridors, and improving access to healthy food are the most common ones. BLDG has robust programming that assesses CDC member capacity, provides workshops and consultations (using staff and external experts), and convenes peer learning sessions – all designed to increase CDC capacity.
Our Mission
BLDG Memphis drives investments in Memphis
neighborhoods through building capacity in
members, public policy, and civic engagement.
Though our members are primarily institutions, BLDG equips members (and shares member-developed practices) to conduct robust community engagement, centering resident voices. BLDG works with CDCs and other members, including individuals, neighborhood associations, public agencies, financial institutions, and nonprofits, to stand as one to create and advocate for community development policies and investments that are rooted in racial, economic, and social equity. We authentically represent members at decision-making tables and work closely with public and private partners to plan, develop, and track community improvement. We act as the voice of the sector through regular communications and convenings designed to share sector successes and stories and to engage residents in community development. And we roll our sleeves up to work alongside members on quick-build solutions and managing community engagement processes.
Program Offerings
BLDG offers seven types of programming – Technical Assistance for members, Trainings / Workshops, Capacity Assessment Tool (CAT), Leadership Capacity-building Scholarships, New City Builders, Civic Forums, and convening collaborative tables.