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Community Economic Development: A Foundation of Social Work

Jack Butler

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Published in Community Economic Development In Social Work (Foundations Of Social Work Knowledge Series)

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Community economic development (CED) is a strategy that seeks to improve the economic well-being of a particular community through the creation of jobs, the development of businesses, and the provision of affordable housing. CED is often seen as a way to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, and it can be used to improve the quality of life for all members of a community.

Community Economic Development in Social Work (Foundations of Social Work Knowledge Series)

by Steven Soifer

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Social workers play a key role in community economic development. They can help to:

* Assess the needs of a community and develop a plan for economic development * Identify and secure funding for economic development projects * Provide technical assistance to businesses and community organizations * Advocate for policies that support community economic development

CED is a complex and challenging process, but it can be a powerful tool for improving the lives of people in low-income communities. Social workers can play a vital role in ensuring that CED projects are successful and that they benefit all members of the community.

The Principles of Community Economic Development

CED is based on the following principles:

* Community-driven: CED projects should be developed and implemented by the community itself. * Inclusive: CED projects should benefit all members of the community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or income level. * Sustainable: CED projects should be designed to create long-term economic benefits for the community.

The Benefits of Community Economic Development

CED can provide a number of benefits to a community, including:

* Increased job creation * Business development * Affordable housing * Improved quality of life

Social Work and Community Economic Development

Social workers can play a key role in all stages of the CED process, from assessment to implementation to evaluation. Social workers can:

* Assess the needs of a community and develop a plan for economic development. Social workers can use their knowledge of the community to identify the needs of residents and businesses. They can also work with community leaders to develop a plan for economic development that addresses these needs. * Identify and secure funding for economic development projects. Social workers can help to identify funding sources for CED projects. They can also work with community organizations to develop grant proposals and other funding applications. * Provide technical assistance to businesses and community organizations. Social workers can provide technical assistance to businesses and community organizations to help them develop and implement CED projects. This assistance can include help with business planning, financial management, and marketing. * Advocate for policies that support community economic development. Social workers can advocate for policies that support CED at the local, state, and federal levels. They can also work with community organizations to develop and implement advocacy campaigns.

CED is a powerful tool for improving the lives of people in low-income communities. Social workers can play a vital role in ensuring that CED projects are successful and that they benefit all members of the community.

Community Economic Development in Social Work (Foundations of Social Work Knowledge Series)

by Steven Soifer

4.9 out of 5