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.
CEDC’s vision is to provide a three-pronged “people-centered, asset-based” pathway where all those in the low and moderate-income community have access to essential resources and skill-building, connections within the community through collaboration, and work collaboratively towards longer-term community change and resilience.
CEDC’s ultimate goal is an active, vibrant community that gets its fair share of public and private services and provides opportunities for all.
In 1997, the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern MA (CEDC) was established as a Community Development Corporation (CDC). At that time, CEDC programs such as support for microbusiness start-ups, community capacity-building, and access to technology were part of PACE before forming the foundation of the new CEDC. In 2003, CEDC helped facilitate the Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition (EITC). CEDC has been one of the leading VITA sites statewide, filing the highest volume of tax returns annually and returning $3.5 million to the local economy through tax refunds and credits.
CEDC was one of the first CDCs in the Commonwealth to become a Certified CDC in 2013. This designation enables CEDC to receive Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC) from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
In 2015, CEDC spearheaded creative placemaking efforts on Acushnet Avenue by engaging residents and local artists to create public art and events that reclaim public spaces and improve the neighborhood. These efforts evolved into Love the Ave, and the energy and advocacy for the district helped earn it designation as a MassDevelopment TDI (Transformational Development Initiative) District in 2021.
In 2016, CEDC became recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice Board of Immigration Appeals. We provide immigrant legal services, increasing access to immigration legal representation for low-income communities while developing strong partnerships with pro bono and low bono legal service providers.
In 2019, CEDC acquired the Capitol Theater building on Acushnet Avenue. Initial pre-development work was completed in collaboration with WHALE and studio2sustain. While the COVID-19 pandemic made progress on this adaptive reuse project challenging, it is now underway and we anticipate a 2027 opening.
In 2021, CEDC created a pilot business incubator and placemaking program called the Patio de Comidas at Riverside Park. This program helps launch new food-based, immigrant-owned vendors in cooperation with the City of New Bedford Board of Health. We also produce the annual Festival Típico Guatemalteco, which celebrates the arts and culture of the Maya-K’iche’ community. The festival is by and for the Maya-K’iche’ community and has fostered leadership to elevate their voice and visibility in New Bedford.
Today, CEDC is the go-to resource for immigrants and longer-term residents in the North End neighborhood who need assistance in a variety of areas of community, family, and work life.