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Empowering Communities for Economic Self-Sufficiency
Building equity-centered solutions through research, training, and advocacy.
In 2017, Ward 8 residents mobilized to address systemic inequities, forming a coalition that evolved into a comprehensive CED planning process. With the support of community members, institutional partners, and key funders, W8CED developed a roadmap for sustainable economic empowerment.
This effort has resulted in:
- Ward 8 Community Economic Development Report, A Dream Deserved: Realizing Our Collective Emergence
- Mental Health Initiative
- Housing Initiative
Through the Ward 8 Community Economic Development Report, A Dream Deserved: Realizing Our Collective Emergence, we influence policy by providing data-driven reports that inform local and federal decision-makers about the lived realities and priorities of Ward 8 residents. W8CED was born as a catalyst for community-led transformation, giving rise to:
W8CED Think Tank:
W8CED Think Tank is building a foundation rooted in historical resilience and self-reliance, preparing communities for the future.
Power in Practice:
A Bottom-Up Approach to Community Economic Development Curriculum
Download the Ward 8 Community Economic Development Report
Our Mission
Partnering with underserved communities to build economic capacity for self-sufficiency, ensuring development is community-led and equity-centered.
Our Vision
A world where communities design and lead innovative solutions for sustainable economic growth, driving systemic change beyond local communities.
Our Values
W8CED Think Tank provides innovative, forward-thinking approaches to addressing the complex challenges faced by underserved communities. Our work is founded on unbiased research, unskewed data, and evidence-based strategies that drive meaningful and sustainable change.