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Helping communities strengthen capacity, align systems, and scale what works.For more than 25 years, The Coalition has served as a trusted convener and strategist for Washington, DC’s community economic development field, aligning partners, amplifying impact, and driving systems-level change.
The Advancing Communities Institute (ACI) extends this proven model nationwide. As the technical assistance arm of The Coalition, the ACI helps jurisdictions, community-based organizations, and local governments design, implement, and scale strategies that create vibrant, resilient, and thriving communities.
Whether launching new initiatives or strengthening existing systems, ACI brings the practical experience, tools, and partnerships needed to turn ideas into sustained impact.
ACI Purpose
Across the country, communities face similar challenges: fragmented systems, under-resourced organizations, and limited coordination among partners working toward shared goals. The ACI exists to help bridge those gaps, leveraging The Coalition’s decades of experience to equip others with the insight and infrastructure to achieve measurable results.
Through tailored technical assistance, hands-on training, and ready-to-implement solutions, we help communities build the local capacity, strategic alignment, and leadership necessary to advance economic mobility and inclusion.
ACI expands the reach and influence of The Coalition’s most successful programs and strategies by adapting and implementing them in new jurisdictions. Our place-based models, honed through over two decades of success in Washington, DC, help communities accelerate progress, avoid common pitfalls, and amplify what works.
By providing fee-based consulting, technical assistance, and strategic guidance, ACI builds long-term sustainability for both The Coalition and our partners. This approach ensures that mission-driven work remains financially independent and scalable, modeling a pathway for other organizations balancing impact with sustainability.
Each community’s path toward economic mobility is unique. That’s why ACI offers a flexible, build-your-own menu of technical assistance and consulting services grounded in proven practice and designed to meet the priorities of local partners.
Helping community based organizations reposition themselves to connect, coordinate and strengthen the local community economic development landscape through listening, interpretation and innovation.
Assisting nonprofits in creating a development strategy that stays true to its values and mission, while also showcases a reputation of expertise, impact, and value-add for philanthropy and grantmakers.
The Coalition is not starting from scratch — we’re building on decades of results, relationships, and credibility. ACI is a natural extension of our mission, offering jurisdictions access to field-tested models, expert guidance, and a trusted partner.
We bring:
Proven, Replicable Programs – Successful models in small business development, inclusive procurement, and housing stabilization.
Partnerships and Convening Power – Deep relationships with government, anchors, and community-based organizations that drive collective impact.
Organizational Capacity and Strategic Vision – The infrastructure, expertise, and systems to deliver technical assistance and programming at scale.
Ready to strengthen your community’s capacity, align your local ecosystem, or scale what works? Let’s collaborate to advance your goals.