North Carolina Association of CED Inc

Since its inception, NCACED has been working to strengthen communities and increase economic opportunities. In a historically distressed community experiencing significant economic recovery and transformation, NCACED is focused on a comprehensive strategy that encompasses place-based improvements to racially segregated disinvested neighborhoods and approaches to improve health outcomes for those who experience the greatest health disparities. As the region works to generate positive economic impact, NCACED has structured a community-driven model capable of replication elsewhere to guide one citys transformation in equitable development directions. NCACED supports the notion that those most impacted by the problems confronting our communities must be at the center of change efforts. NCACEDs model provides resident-level education and leadership development services, with the goal of expanding individual capacities and enhancing community

A meeting occurred between low-income neighborhood residents and Rocky Mount officials which NCACDC facilitated, and during which the residents shared their recommendations to expand opportunities for affordable housing development in the City. The community-generated recommendations featured a suggestion to develop cottage court housing. The City took the following action in 2025. The Rocky Mount City Council considered a Land Development Code Amendment to allow pocket neighborhoods (also known as cottage court ordnance). Based upon their history of engagement and participation, and with NCACDCs efforts to enlarge self-directed and direct participation opportunities for them, low-income Rocky Mount stakeholders who reside in the Citys segregated and disinvested neighborhoods are building an informed base of leaders with capacity to advocate on behalf of their needs and interests when the Citys comprehensive planning process resumes.