Building bridges and advocating for policies that strengthen our civic muscle

Interpret and Disseminate Knowledge

Thanks to the support of our partners and members, CBN members have easier access to policy updates, upcoming initiatives, and opportunities to learn about the systems impacting community development. This can look like policy briefs, speakers, synthesized data, or opportunities to advocate.

Facilitate Meetings with Stakeholders

CBN hosts and co-hosts regular meetings for members to engage with elected officials, policy experts, foundations, local and state/national advocacy organizations, and more.

Monitor and Influence Policy Implementation

CBN members identify policy priorities in the form of calls to action for St. Louis City & County. Working together, CBN and partners identify 1-2 priorities to champion on an annual basis in order to move the needle forward for the St. Louis region. In 2018, we identified expanding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the City of St. Louis and creating an Affordable Housing Trust Fund in St. Louis County as our main priorities!

Recovery Guide: A Roadmap for Equitable Rebuilding

The May 16th, 2025 tornado underscored the need for coordinated equitable recovery measures. CBN’s Building Resilient Communities After Disaster: Strategies for Inclusive Recovery offers place-based strategies that leverage the expertise of our network to preserve affordable housing, support small businesses, and strengthen neighborhoods. Developed with input from our Civic Capacity Committee, Board, and local and national partners, the guide provides actionable steps for resident-centered recovery, funding approaches, policy guidance, and case studies on aligning public and private investment.

The guide outlines the vital role Community Development Corporations play in driving equitable, long-term recovery. It highlights CDCs’ history and impact, short-term strategies for immediate relief, and long-term investment planning for resilience. The guide also connects the City of St. Louis’ 2023 Affordable Housing Report strategies with tornado recovery, with additional anti-displacement approaches, and lessons learned from other cities. With explicit roles for key players, intentional recovery activities, and practical steps for St. Louis, the guide provides references, resources, local ordinances, and measures of success to support place-based recovery and resilient communities.