History

Our Story

The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development was formed in 2000 through the merger of two organizations, the Coalition of Nonprofit Housing Developers and the Coalition of Economic Development Organizations, not only because of the notable overlap in membership but also because of the overlap in advocacy and public policy goals. The ultimate goal for District residents? Economic Mobility. The Coalition founders recognized that affordable housing is the foundation for stable and thriving communities. They also recognized that inclusive economic development works to ensure the sustainability and growth of these communities. Founded with a focus on advocacy, capacity building, and research, the organization began bridging the communication gaps between residents, practitioners, and local leaders. Since then, The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development, now rebranded as simply The Coalition, has continued to center its activities around economic mobility and supporting under-resourced neighborhoods.

Remembering Bob Pohlman

Robert “Bob” Pohlman served as CNHED’s Executive Director from 2000–2014, and was a beloved figure in the community development field, as well as a great friend, mentor, and colleague to so many of us. Bob’s work at CNHED followed a 23-year career in the District of Columbia government, where he served as Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, Deputy Mayor for Finance, and Chief Financial Officer. His first post with the DC government was with the Model Cities Program, first as Fiscal Monitor, then as Budget and Accounting Officer. Bob began his career as an auditor in Chicago, but found his calling in public service while serving in Jacksonville, Texas, as a VISTA Volunteer. His career embodied a true commitment to public service.
Bob passed away in the spring of 2018. In light of his legacy, CNHED created the “Bob Pohlman Lifetime Achievement in Community Development Award.” This award is awarded annually to an outstanding local leader with at least 20 years of consistent service and leadership in DC’s community development field. 
Bob Pohlman Award

Founding Pillars

Advocacy

As a combined force, The Coalition was able to channel advocacy resources and energy toward more robust financial allocations and policies that benefitted both affordable housers and economic development groups.

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Capacity Building

The Coalition was founded as a membership organization to ensure the community development field had access to the resources, training and networking needed to strengthen nonprofits and other mission-based organizations.

View Upcoming Training & Events

Research

The Coalition advocacy can only be as powerful as the data and information behind it. That’s why research was a founding focus of the organization; to ensure that all stakeholders -- residents, members and policymakers alike -- were armed with facts.

View Research

CNHED 25

In 2025, The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development celebrated 25 years of legacy and impact by beginning a new chapter as The Coalition. For over two decades, The Coalition has been at the forefront of advancing economic mobility in the District through our work in affordable housing and inclusive economic development. This new chapter — marked by a simpler, more inclusive name — does not change who we are or what we stand for. Our mission, our principles, and our dedication to advancing economic mobility for District residents are unwavering.

To mark the occasion and to honor our first 25 years, we created a series of video vignettes to capture our story.

Watch Video Vignettes

Become a member of The Coalition

and join the fight for a District where all residents can live in thriving communities that are economically just!

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