The Economic and Community Development (ECD) Department’s mission is to stimulate economic vitality by strengthening neighborhoods, building partnerships, and fostering public and private investments in the community. To successfully revitalize a community, three key components must be in place: the hardware (the physical development that enhances a community), the software (the social programs, rules and regulations that keep order), and links to other resources (outside programs and capital that can be leveraged).
One component of ECD programming offers mechanisms to build affordable housing, start businesses, purchase a home and revitalize neighborhoods. Another component of ECD programming offers methods and or solutions to community problems by fostering efforts to deal with neighborhood nuisances, and supporting neighborhood groups and community service organizations. ECD Administration is the most important programming component which helps the “link” and leverage outside resources to revitalize communities.