SV@Home continues to bring together a cohort of over 15 Santa Clara County-based nonprofit organizations, known as the Community Roots Collaborative (CRC), to learn more about and facilitate the establishment of community development corporations (CDCs) in our county. 

A few weeks ago, the Community Roots Collaborative (CRC) met for the fourth time at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in East San Jose. Cohort members shared their experiences in acquiring land and establishing community development corporations in Santa Clara County, fostering a supportive learning community.

SV@Home Deputy Director Joshua Ishimatsu also led a thoughtful discussion about the mindset and approach of community-based development, simplifying industry jargon and complex concepts. Josh brings with him invaluable experience in community development from his time as Deputy Director for the National Coalition for Asian-Pacific American Community Development and as Real Estate Development Director at the Little Tokyo Service Center in Los Angeles.

Incredibly engaged and ready to tackle more, the CRC cohort agreed to learn about the full spectrum of community development, including (but not limited to) neighborhood planning, the development process, affordable housing finance, preservation, and the financial stability of CDCs. Given the cohort’s demand to continue learning, convenings with the CRC cohort will go beyond 2024!

We would like to thank the School of Arts and Culture for hosting the fourth CRC convening and presenting at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Also, a special thanks to SOMOS Mayfair and the Si Se Puede Collective for presenting!