The demands on housing and community development organizations are growing. 

Rising costs, increasing complexity and shifting expectations require boards to lead with clarity, adaptability and purpose. For leaders across the NeighborWorks network, the question is no longer whether governance matters; it is whether boards are equipped to meet this moment. 

For Sam Stuckey and Loaida Rodriguez, the answer is clear: Investing in governance is not optional, it is essential. 

NeighborWorks® America's Sustainable Business Initiative helps community-based NeighborWorks organizations strengthen their foundations and grow revenue. In 2024, the SBI provide seed grants to seven network organizations with promising earned revenue strategies. Over the next few weeks, as part of Small Business Month, NeighborWorks will highlight some of those outcomes.

Strong governance does not stay in the boardroom. It shows up in communities. 

Across the NeighborWorks network, board leaders are using what they learn through the NeighborWorks America Excellence in Governance Academy to strengthen their organizations and deliver more effective, community focused outcomes. 

For Elena Lininger and Catherine Kim, the connection between governance and impact is clear. 

Building stronger boards to build stronger communities 

NeighborWorks® America welcomed leaders from across its nearly 250-member network to Washington, D.C., last week, for its annual Executive Symposium. The gathering gave leaders – and, for the first time in person, board members – a chance to connect, to innovate, and to talk about solutions for the nation’s housing crisis.

This year, about 220 network leaders and 120 board members joined in the event. The theme was Collective Leadership: Building Strength for Today & Tomorrow!

Board service often begins with purpose. But purpose alone is not enough to lead effectively.

For many leaders across the NeighborWorks® network, governance starts with a desire to serve and evolves into something more intentional, more strategic and more impactful. That shift is at the center of the NeighborWorks America Excellence in Governance Academy, a board leadership and governance certification program designed specifically for community development nonprofits.

NeighborWorks® America’s Training Division knows collaboration is key for participants when they are learning new skills. So in Chicago last month, division leaders piloted a new course with a collaboration focus during the NeighborWorks Training Institute.

When we talk about strengthening affordable housing and community development, we often focus on what is visible. 

Units built. 
Homes preserved. 
Families counseled. 
Dollars leveraged. 

But there is another asset driving every one of those outcomes. 

It does not show up on a construction site. 
It does not sit in a line item. 
It does not appear in a ribbon cutting photo. 

It is professional learning. 

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