Food | Housing | Land
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About Us
Passionate Community Development Expertise
Now is the time for new approaches to community and economic development. More than ever, the future depends on our ability to collectively sustain community and land is the basis for all development. At this time, Black people are confronting displacement from urban communities, and it resembles decades of Black displacement from agricultural land in the rural South. In fact, as the US confronts the most acute housing crisis in decades, millions of Black people are on the brink of eviction and foreclosure. The challenge in community development is not one of scale, the challenge is to transform development by redressing decades of systemic inequality in development policies and practices.
Up South/Down South is a collective of change makers, building a foundation where communities can reconnect with the land as our most precious resource for equitable development and a future worthy of all of our children. We foster collaboration, unite collectives, and build community power to promote the preservation of Black communities and culture.
Our Analytical Approach
Up South/Down South is a think tank, action center, and community and economic development incubator committed to the preservation and equitable development of communities. Our services include a comprehensive consult and research process. We help communities identify gaps and opportunities and build infrastructure to carry out a community-led vision for development.
What we bring to the work:
- Integrity in our interactions and work with community, partners, team members, and various stakeholders (because we are the community).
- In-depth knowledge of local markets and research trends to determine the right models and strategies.
- A track record of working effectively with local and public officials to bridge partnerships with the community.
- A belief and vision for building communities that are equitable, just, and sustainable.
Transformative Success
Real estate development can be a democratic practice.
Community power is our most precious asset.
Communities can retain the value they generate.
Community power + equitable development generates community wealth building. Up South/Down South builds community wealth to create a permanent platform for community stability. We work at the intersection of public policy , community infrastructure development and movement building to bring transformative change to scale.
- Community Land Trusts
- Affordable Housing Finance (public/private)
- Community Agriculture
- Legislation & Public Policy
- Community Organizing
- Racial Equity and Justice