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Get Started
The Autumn 2009 program is no longer accepting applications
Next program starts: Autumn 2010
Details will be posted in Spring
Single courses may be available
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Interested in taking a single class? Some courses (designated by a 
below) are open on a space-available basis to individuals who are not seeking the certificate. See Single-Course Enrollment for details.
Autumn Courses
Building and Mobilizing Community
Schedule: Tuesdays,Oct. 6-Nov.3, 2009, 6-9 p.m.; $479; 1.5 CEUs
Instructor: Jim Diers
The most successful community development efforts tend to be those that are driven by the community and build on its strengths. This course explores the breakdown of social capital and strategies for building stronger and more inclusive communities. The focus is on a spectrum of approaches to community empowerment including direct action organizing, asset-based community development, and the civic model. Participants learn principles and tools for gaining broad and diverse engagement in community development. Leading local organizers are featured as guest speakers.
Community Assessment and Neighborhood Planning (formerly Community Development and the Role of Planning)
Schedule: Tuesdays, Nov. 10-Dec. 8, 2009, 6-9 p.m.; $479; 1.5 CEUs
Instructor: Trang Tu
This introductory course will focus on the role of neighborhood planning in community development, with an emphasis on community-driven planning. The course will use a practical, experiential learning approach. Course participants will discuss elements of neighborhood planning, learn about and practice methods and tools for community assessment, and develop plan recommendations and actions. Class time will involve a range of hands-on activities including group discussions, individual reflection, panel presentations and discussion from neighborhood planners and planning practitioners, practical exercises, scenario-based exercises, and development of a “mock” neighborhood plan.
How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course
Winter Courses
Tools for Poverty Alleviation
Schedule: Tuesdays, Jan.5-Feb.2, 2010; 6-9 p.m.; $479; 1.5 CEUs
Instructor: Rachel Garshick Kleit
How can low income people benefit from neighborhood revitalization rather than being forced out by the escalating cost of real estate, both residential and commercial? This course examines the forces of gentrification and shows how business development, workforce training, financial asset building, and other tools can be designed to help families move out of poverty while staying in the neighborhood. Local practitioners present their work to the class and model programs from other places are discussed.
How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course
Strategies for Neighborhood Revitalization
Schedule: Tuesdays, Feb. 9-March 9, 2010, 6-9 p.m.; $479; 1.5 CEUs
Instructor: Daniel Carlson
A comprehensive approach is needed for successful neighborhood revitalization. This course explores strategies for improving the housing stock while maintaining affordability, strengthening the business district while preserving its character, enhancing transportation while promoting sustainability, creating public spaces that work, incorporating art and culture, and reducing crime. Participants learn from the observation of local examples and from case studies of other places.
How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course
Spring Courses
Real Estate Development
Schedule: Tuesdays, March 30-April 27, 2010, 6-9 p.m.; $479; 1.5 CEUs
Instructors: George Rolfe and Chuck Depew
Community development often requires the creation and/or management of real estate projects to meet the needs of the community. Both private developers and, increasingly, nonprofit organizations develop and manage housing, retail, community/cultural centers, health and human service facilities, often in mixed-use buildings. What is the best use for a particular piece of property and how do you negotiate its purchase? How do you conduct a feasibility analysis? How do you secure funding? What are the opportunities to partner with government, other non-profits, and the private sector? How can you work most effectively with architects and contractors? What can be done to reduce the building's carbon footprint? How do you market the project and manage your assets over the long term? This course will introduce participants to the key concepts and tools that can be used to develop and manage real estate in a way that will maximize benefits to the organization as well as to the community.
How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course
Building Organizational Capacity
Schedule: Tuesdays, May 4-June 1, 2010, 6-9 p.m.; $479; 1.5 CEUs
Instructor: Susan Taoka
Community development can be no more effective than the organization that is leading the effort. Participants in this course gain an awareness of how to determine an organization's strategic direction and develop a sustainable business model with the flexibility to adapt to an ever changing market, funding environment and community conditions. The class learns how performance benchmarks and financial statements can be valuable tools in evaluating results and managing the organization. The keys to productive partnerships with government and other organizations are also discussed.
How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course
