Mission
The Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire, a 501(C)3 nonprofit, initiates and leads efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing and to encourage local economic activity in a way that is in harmony with the natural beauty and rural character of the small towns of the Berkshires.
Principles
We encourage economic activity that keeps the profits in the community and adds to the local tax base.
We place a priority on locally-owned businesses that contribute to a robust local economy, rather than focusing on attracting big-box, larger enterprises that focus on lowest-price commerce.
Our priority in job creation is for jobs that pay a “living wage.”
We pursue real estate development that allows housing and commercial activities to reinforce one another.
We create a sufficient variety of housing options (i.e. at various price points) for people who work in the community, to be able to live in the community.
We engage in development that follows “Smart Growth” principles; mixing land uses, compact design, distinctive and attractive communities, preservation of natural beauty, varied transportation choices and stakeholder collaboration in development.
We favor re-development, as well as development, that is close to existing town facilities in order to minimize the consumption of existing open space.
We include energy efficiency and green building techniques and materials in development designs.
We openly engage and encourage collaboration with other organizations to best leverage the available expertise and capacities.