Advocacy , Affordable Housing , Capacity Building Institute , CNHED Membership , Community Development Week , Small Business , Workforce Development ,
Real change doesn’t happen in silos.
Real change happens when people doing the work, organizers, service providers, policymakers, advocates, funders, and community leaders, come together with a shared purpose.
That’s what Beyond Barriers is all about: creating space for the conversations, connections, and collaborations that push our field forward and move the District of Columbia closer to economic resilience and prosperity.
How do we move past the systems and structures that hold people back?
How do we build something better together?
After a one-year pause, we’re bringing our annual conference back (with a new name!) and this year, we’ll not only explore what it takes to break down the systems that are holding communities back, but also what it takes to build new ones that support mobility, stability, growth and prosperity.
Why Now?
Across the District, communities are navigating rising costs, shrinking opportunities, and an uncertain political landscape. Nonetheless, innovative, community-driven solutions are continuing to take root.
What can you expect at Beyond Barriers?
Engaging panels and interactive workshops on housing, workforce, small business, and more
Opportunities to build partnerships across sectors
Fresh tools, ideas, and inspiration to take back to your work
This year, our Community of Leaders reception will be held as a luncheon dedicated to recognizing the exceptional contributions of local leaders, government officials, community development organizations, and small businesses throughout the District’s community economic development landscape who are at the forefront of advancing affordable housing initiatives and other economic development strategies, ensuring opportunity, access, and economic mobility for all residents.
The luncheon’s highlights will include the presentation of the Bob Pohlman Lifetime Achievement in Community Development Award. We are also proud to unveil an inaugural resident advocate award, honoring a dedicated community leader who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to empowering residents and fostering meaningful engagement.
The luncheon serves as a platform to celebrate leadership, collaboration, and innovation, as we collectively work toward building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities.
We’ll be announcing speakers, sessions, and more in the coming weeks. If you’ve been to our previous annual conferences, you know this is an event you don’t want to miss! Save your seat now and join us in October as we move beyond barriers and toward a District of Columbia that works for all residents.
Looking for opportunities to support?
If purchasing tickets, you will be redirected to our secure payment portal.
and join the fight for a District where all residents can live in thriving communities that are economically just!
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