Urban Development Accelerator Hosts its Inaugural Convening in New York, NY

The first cohort of the Urban Development Accelerator (UDA) convened in New York, NY on March 27th and 28th, 2024 bringing together five Urban League CEOs [Greater Sacramento Urban League, Springfield Urban League, Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, Urban League of Nebraska, and Urban League of the Upstate] and an additional participant from each affiliate who is vital to the development work of the organization.

The convening opened with a panel of Urban League CEOs who are more advanced in their community and real estate development efforts to share their insights, experience, and advice. This session was well received, as it was aspirational to engage with successful colleagues. Hearing their stories, learning about their strategies, and understanding their pitfalls was an inspiration and opened the floor for vulnerability and transparency. The cohort expressed interest in hearing more robustly from affiliates like these who intimately know the role of the Urban League and how to forge necessary partnerships, build teams, form processes and create communication streams.

Derrick Lovett, President & CEO of MBD Community Housing Corporation enhanced the conversation by sharing his contributions to revitalizing the Bronx, and how he continues to create quality affordable housing for his community. The cohort was moved by his unwavering stance to be unapologetically successful and to know your value. He contributed the idea that culture comes from the top; It is not enough to just develop a space, but more than that we must create a community in the space that comes from its leaders.

During the convening, affiliates had an opportunity to present on their own communities, the markets they are in, the development work they are currently involved in or are planning, and the challenges they are facing or anticipate facing. They were able to gain feedback from the cohort and consultants, as well as learn from each other.

Over the course of the convening, the following themes were revealed through conversations:

Legacy Development: Planning for the long-term viability of the affiliate and its investment in real estate and housing development to optimize its impact is a focal point of the cohort. This includes creating a separate entity to manage and grow the development work of the affiliate, as well as putting a team in place to ensure knowledge outside of the CEO on the process, progress, and positioning of the affiliate in this space.

Reclaiming our Space: The National Urban League reclaiming its home in Harlem has sparked a revolution in the movement to similarly emulate this idea in their own communities. The cities our Urban League affiliates reside in have deep racial histories and stories to be told. Understanding the vital role the Urban League plays in reclaiming these histories and neighborhoods with pride and tenacity is imperative.

Aspirations: While much of the cohort’s development endeavors center around housing, their aspirations are in building neighborhoods of community and culture. The Urban Legue plays a vital role in ensuring the stability and resilience of its neighbors. It is essential that the development not only resonates with the neighborhood, but includes them in its successful realization.

The small group size fostered deep conversations and allowed space for vulnerability, enabling a richer exchange of ideas and perspectives. Additionally, the diversity among attendees, including various affiliates from different vantage points, enriched the discussions and outcomes. The consultants from Abt Associates played a significant role in the success of the convening; their ability to challenge thinking, coupled with their intentional efforts to understand and meet the needs of the cohort greatly enhanced the overall experience.