What is a Community Benefits Agreement?
A Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) is a legally-binding contract between a local community or municipality and a developer where the developer agrees to provide specific benefits, amenities, etc., to a neighborhood or community in exchange for the community's support for the planned development throughout the various approval processes.
Why Are They Important?
CBAs are used by communities to empower themselves and to provide leverage where there is large development. CBAs are necessary to ensure the community receives the first selection for employment opportunities, funding and further development of cultural and community enrichment activities, preservation and promotion of affordable housing, and strengthened schools and educational resources. They help to ensure that the neighborhood's values and needs are preserved and carried out.
How Does a Community Get a CBA?
With the support of our ANC6D and collaboration with other organizations in Southwest and the Capitol Riverfront Neighborhoods, CBCC has become an established vehicle through which our diverse neighborhoods can negotiate and execute CBAs with developers who are choosing to make ANC6D their home. We strongly encourage community leaders and organizations to join with us to advocate for community benefits through this written, legally-binding agreement.
