Patio de Comidas
CEDC works at the intersection of immigrant services, workforce development, and economic revitalization in New Bedford’s North End.

Mission

CEDC seeks to create a more just local economy by building bridges to resources, networks, and cooperative action for low- and moderate-income members of our community. The work of the CEDC is created and directed by the people who will benefit most from its success.

CAPITOL RESILIENCE HUB

CEDC is redeveloping the former Capitol Theater on Acushnet Avenue into a multi-faceted space that will address the community's needs today:

  • CEDC programs, including small business development, immigrant support services, and ESOL classes
  • Affordable housing
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Legal services
  • Banking center

In 2026-27, CEDC will renovate and fully activate the front of the building, offering 10,550 square feet of available retail, residential, and community space. READ MORE

 

In the News

Many immigrants have stopped filing taxes out of fear

The New Bedford Light - February 24, 2026

NEW BEDFORD — Every February since he began work, James has been coming to the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts to file his tax returns. An immigrant from Colombia who works as a teacher, James said he came to the U.S. in 2001 when he was 6 years old. He’s been enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program since the Obama administration created it in 2012, though his parents remain undocumented. Yet, this year, his obligation to file taxes has taken on a new dimension of fear for James, who asked to use a pseudonym due to concerns around immigration enforcement.

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Federal court blocks ICE abuse of protected taxpayer information; CEDC lead plaintiff in case

Press Release - February 6, 2026

BOSTON—Immigrant and taxpayer advocates celebrate the decision by a federal court on Thursday to block Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) use of tax-related data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The decision from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts is a win for taxpayers nationwide who have weighed whether filing their taxes exposes them to potential ICE arrest, detention, and deportation.

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CONTACT

235 North Front St.
New Bedford, MA 02746

508-979-4684