CEDAM

Rebuilding Neighborhoods.
Revitalizing Communities.
Renewing Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contents

 

What is CEDAM?

CEDAM is the statewide trade association for community economic development practitioners and friends. To learn more, read on and/or watch our video mission statement on YouTube. [top]

What does CEDAM do?

According to its mission statement, CEDAM advances community-based economic development to revitalize and rebuild Michigan communities and neighborhoods.  It is the unified voice of its member organizations and generates resources through advocacy and collaboration.  It builds and sustains its members through training, technical assistance, and opportunities to share best practices. [top]

What is community economic development?

Community Economic Development (CED) is action taken locally by a community to provide economic opportunities and improve social conditions in a sustainable way. Often CED initiatives aim to improve the lot of those who are disadvantaged. CED is a community-centered process that blends social and economic development to foster the economic, social, ecological and cultural well-being of communities.

CED is not the same as conventional economic development. CED advocates believe that problems facing communities—unemployment, poverty, job loss, environmental degradation and loss of community control—are best addressed in a holistic and participatory way.

Many activities fall under CED.  Broad activity areas include community revitalization, community organizing, and asset building.  Within these broader areas are such activities as affordable housing production, social service provision, community beautification, job training, and so forth.  Because of their close ties to their communities, organizations engaging in CED are able to tailor the services they offer to meet the unique needs of the residents they serve. [top]

Who are CEDAM's members?

CEDAM has nearly 400 members around the state of Michigan. Roughly half of those are community development corporations (CDCs), and the rest are a wide range of individuals and organizations who share an interest in community economic development. Learn more about our membership at our Meet the Members page. [top]

What is a CDC?

While there is no one formula or definition for a community development corporation (CDC), CDCs are typically nonprofit organizations characterized by their community-based leadership and their work in redevelopment and revitalization in a targeted area. 

Community development is a broad term, embracing a wide array of organizations that work to reinvigorate distressed areas.  The community-based nature of their work and their focus on building up neighborhoods and communities distinguishes them from other nonprofits that may be focused on a single service (such as health care, youth, etc.) or on a more broad-based geographic service area.  While not all are technically incorporated as CDCs, the term has, over time, become synonymous with the industry as a whole.

In the past, CDCs typically produced affordable housing and engaged in community organizing activities.  Over the years, CDC activities have greatly expanded; CDCs are now active in commercial development, microenterprise development, youth programs, urban agriculture, homeless services, foreclosure prevention, financial literacy services, and so much more.  Please take a look at our most recent industry report to learn all about these various organizations. [top]

How do I join CEDAM?

Simply submit a membership form and annual dues. Find out more here. [top]

How can I support CEDAM?

You can support CEDAM in several different ways.

  • Join CEDAM: As an individual member, you will receive updates on CEDAM's activities and have opportunities to support CEDAM through policy advocacy or by attending events. You can join on our website.
  • Volunteer: CEDAM members often need volunteers. Visit their sites to find out more.
  • Advocate: Spread the word about the good work that CEDAM members are doing. Advocate for funding and resources for CEDAM members. You can view additional advocacy resources in the policy resources within our website.
  • Donate: CEDAM, along with most of its members, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You can make a tax-deductible donation to CEDAM or to a CEDAM member to fund operations and services.

Whatever you choose, remember that supporting a member is supporting CEDAM! [top]

What is Asset Building?

Please see our Basics of Asset Building page. [top]

I need help with (paying my rent, regaining custody, filling out my tax return, etc.). Does CEDAM do that?

No, unfortunately CEDAM does not provide direct services or assistance to individuals. If you are seeking assistance, here are some resources you can try:

  • 2-1-1, the United Way helpline. In most parts of Michigan, dialing 2-1-1 will connect you to an operator with many different resources. To make sure your area has 2-1-1, check here or call 800-552-1183.
  • Your local Community Action Agency (CAA). To get contact information for your local CAA, use the map on this site.
  • The State of Michigan's Helping Hand site. This site includes resources on state programs for jobs, unemployment benefits, health care, family support, and housing. You can apply for many state programs through this site.
  • If you are having trouble with your mortgage payments, there is help available! See this page for resources on avoiding foreclosure. [top]

 

If you have further questions about CEDAM or the community economic development industry, please ask!