The ABCs of CDCs

Breaking down the work of Community Development Corporations. What exactly is a Community Development Corporation (CDC)? It's a complex question with many layers — and one that inspired a team of graduate students from Planning, Journalism, and Graphic Design to collaborate on a creative, research-driven project to make the answer more accessible.

The ABCs of CDCs was born from a shared goal: to lift up community voices and clarify the role of CDCs in neighborhood development. Over several months, the team conducted interviews with CDC leaders, listened to their stories, and transformed their insights into a visually engaging and easy-to-navigate storymap and pamphlet—organized from A to Z.

Whether you're new to community development or looking for a fresh way to explain the impact of CDCs, this project offers a powerful introduction rooted in real experiences and thoughtful design. Explore the ABCs and see how CDCs are helping shape stronger, more resilient communities—one letter at a time.