News & Updates

A roadmap for cities and regions looking to activate anchor institutions as engines of equitable economic growth.

A reflection on resilience, renewal, and the shared determination to keep serving D.C. communities.

Staff Column by Coalition President and CEO, Stephen Glaude

In the wake of this year’s Beyond Barriers Conference, I’ve found myself returning again and again to the question Bakari Sellers posed to all of us: “Where do we go from here?”

Staff Column by Senior Director of the DC Community Anchor Partnership, Phil Berkaw

When you hear the word “sustainability”, what comes to mind? Bold government policies? Large corporations greening their supply chains? Taking fewer flights? Each of these plays an important role in moving toward a more sustainable future. However, one community that is frequently overlooked in the conversation is small businesses.

After weeks of advocacy, debate, and last-minute amendments, the District’s nearly $22 billion FY2026 Budget was finalized last month. This year’s process was unlike any other, as the Mayor, Council, and advocates grappled with unprecedented challenges and severe external pressures. Despite the difficult climate, The Coalition and its members successfully pushed to protect and expand resources for affordable housing, small businesses, and workforce development programs.

What one week at Harvard taught me about leading through uncertainty

Staff Column by Coalition President and CEO, Stephen Glaude

For one week I joined 159 nonprofit leaders from across the globe. They represented organizations working in housing, childcare, small business development, environmental justice, adoption, and so many other critical areas. To be in the room with them was both humbling and inspiring. Each of us carried stories of challenge and resilience, and together we reflected on how leaders make choices in moments of opportunity and crisis.

From Adversary to Ally: How Partnership Powers Policy Change

By Lamar Richards

In today’s fragmented landscape, it can feel like meaningful change is out of reach, especially for under-resourced communities and those who have historically been left out of decision-making conversations. However, after decades of working alongside residents, practitioners, and local leaders, The Coalition has seen firsthand what ignites deep impact and changes systems: sustained relationships built on mutual trust. When communities, practitioners, and policymakers work together, instead of in opposition, the path to meaningful change becomes clearer and more achievable.