Community Benefits Agreements

Benefiting the Community By Mutual Agreement

Posted on November 3, 2016 by North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council

The Law Project’s Allegra Cira Fischer
Discusses the Pros and Cons of Community Benefits Agreements

Allegra Cira Fischer, Staff Attorney with The Law Project, will be a guest on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, November 7, 2016, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit “U” is an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development, is the host. The show will stream live from http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nonprofit_u/2016/11/07/benefiting-communities-through-mutual-agreement. The archived podcast will be available on BlogTalkRadio, Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes Podcast Chart, Blubrry and Stitcher.

Fischer will talk about what community benefit agreements (CBA’s) are; the pros and cons, and some of The Law Project’s work in supporting local community based coalitions in their quest for greater democracy in development. There will be opportunities for listeners to call in with questions and participate in live chats. Nonprofit professionals, community advocates, developers and other community stakeholders are especially encouraged to call in and share their stories. The live call in number is (347) 884-8121.

“At the end of the day, I’d like listeners to walk away with a clear understanding of what community benefits agreements are, and have realistic expectations regarding the rerwards and challenges of negotiating CBA’s”, Fischer said.

Reminder: Attend Our November 9th Panel on Community Benefits Agreements

Posted on October 30, 2016October 30, 2016 by North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council

Don’t forget to come out to our panel discussion on community benefits agreements. The discussion will take place on November 9, 2016, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. at the Lawndale Community Church, 3827 West Ogden Avenue.

Panelists will provide a very brief overview of their experiences and we will open the floor for a lively question, answer and comment period from our audience.

You will learn what a community benefits agreement is, the pros and cons; when they may be appropriate, and hear from people who are actively working on them in the city of Chicago. Our panelists will include attorneys and activists who will share challenges working on such projects as the Whole Foods store in Englewood, the USX development in South Shore, the Obama Presidential Library in Jackson Park, and the Illinois Medical District. We will also hear an alternative view from UCAN in North Lawndale.

For further information, contact Audrey Dunford at audrey.dunford@gmail.com.

Save the Date: November 9, 2016 Community Benefits Agreement Panel

Posted on October 1, 2016 by North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council

After many years of disinvestment, North Lawndale is once again a community that is getting a closer look by developers and investors. There are a number of incentives that are available to them, including TIF funds, free or deeply discounted land, tax reductions, tax credits, etc.

One school of thought suggests that North Lawndale residents should be happy that businesses decide to locate here, or that developers decide to build houses here. While this is good for business and helps improve the tax base, there is very little evidence that North Lawndale residents benefit directly–even in instances where local property taxes are being used to subsidize the development. There must be a way for developers and investors to make money while providing real opportunities to local residents and business owners.

We will host a a panel discussion on community benefits agreements (CBA’s) on November 9, 2016, from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm at a location to be determined. The panel, the members of which are still being confirmed, will include an attorney, developer and community activists from North Lawndale and other communities around the city of Chicago who will share their successes and challenges with negotiating legally-binding community benefits agreements. This meeting is being sponsored by our Economic Development, Infrastructure and Transportation subcomittees.

For further information, contact Audrey Dunford, Vice Chair of the Infrastructure Subcommittee at audrey.dunford@gmail.com.

Looking for Developers With Experience Working With Community Benefits Agreements in Low Income Minority Communities

Posted on September 30, 2016 by North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council

Do you know developers in Chicago who have a demonstrated track record working with low income minority communities who have entered into legally binding community benefits agreements? If so, please share their names and contact information. NLCCC will be hosting a panel discussion on community benefits agreements, featuring an attorney, developer and community activists who have successfully worked on community benefits agreements in Chicago. I will share their information with the committee working on the program.

Thanks in advance.

Valerie F. Leonard
consulting@valeriefleonard.com