Purpose Built Communities

06/03/2026

Strong partnerships don’t happen by accident. They’re built with intention, trust, and a shared vision for what’s possible.

When Community Quarterback Organizations and local government work in alignment, the impact can be transformative for neighborhoods and the people who call them home.

At our national conference, leaders explored how to move beyond transactional relationships and build lasting partnerships rooted in collaboration and mutual accountability. From navigating the political landscape to crafting clear, compelling messages, the conversation focused on what it takes to turn alignment into action.

The insight is clear: meaningful change happens when organizations and public partners work together, not in parallel.

The opportunity ahead is to strengthen these relationships in ways that lead to tangible, lasting outcomes for communities.

06/02/2026

June is here, and with it comes new opportunities to strengthen the neighborhoods people call home.

We know meaningful transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It happens through long-term commitment, resident leadership, and communities working together toward a shared vision for the future.

This month, we’re celebrating the leaders, residents, and partners across our Network who continue showing what’s possible when neighborhoods have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Here’s to a new month filled with momentum, connection, and possibility.
Prosperity Starts With Place™

06/01/2026

Tomorrow’s the day!

Join us and EdRedesign Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education for the virtual premiere of DREAM ON’s newest episode spotlighting the transformation of Spartanburg, South Carolina’s Northside neighborhood.

This powerful story highlights how a cross-sector coalition of residents, local government, school district leaders, a StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network member, and a Purpose Built Communities® Community Quarterback Organization came together to help:

• Reduce violent crime by 77%
• Increase 3rd-grade reading proficiency from 6% to 48%
• Build hundreds of units of new housing
• Open a brand-new community center
• Launch a state-of-the-art early learning center

Tomorrow — Tuesday, June 2, 2026
10:00–11:00 AM ET
Virtual | Zoom Webinar

You’ll be among the first to see the new episode and hear directly from leaders during a live Q&A moderated by Rob Watson, Executive Director of EdRedesign, featuring:

Jennifer Blatz, President and CEO, StriveTogether
Dr. Russell Booker, CEO, Spartanburg Academic Movement
Carol Naughton, President and CEO, Purpose Built Communities
David Summers, CEO, Spartanburg Northside Development Group

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Register now:

The EdRedesign Lab serves as a catalyst advancing the cradle-to-career field by promoting cross-sector community-based systems of support and opportunity for all children, especially those affected by racism and poverty.

06/01/2026

Showing up with purpose means investing in people, listening to community voices, and staying committed to the work, even when it isn’t easy.

Major recently shared what it means to show up on purpose for her community, reflecting on the relationships, responsibility, and care that continue to guide her work each day.

05/29/2026

Join us and EdRedesign Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education for the virtual premiere of DREAM ON’s newest episode spotlighting the transformation of Spartanburg, South Carolina’s Northside neighborhood.

This powerful story highlights how a cross-sector coalition of residents, local government, school district leaders, a StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network member, and a Purpose Built Communities® Community Quarterback Organization came together to help:

• Reduce violent crime by 77%
• Increase 3rd-grade reading proficiency from 6% to 48%
• Build hundreds of units of new housing
• Open a brand-new community center
• Launch a state-of-the-art early learning center

📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
🕙 10:00–11:00 AM ET
💻 Virtual | Zoom Webinar

You’ll be among the first to see the new episode and hear directly from leaders during a live Q&A moderated by Rob Watson, Executive Director of EdRedesign, featuring:

Jennifer Blatz, President and CEO, StriveTogether
Dr. Russell Booker, CEO, Spartanburg Academic Movement
Carol Naughton, President and CEO, Purpose Built Communities
David Summers, CEO, Spartanburg Northside Development Group

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

👉 Register now: https://edredesign.org/events/dream-spartanburg-sc

05/29/2026

Mental wellbeing doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s shaped by the communities we’re part of every day.

The neighborhoods we live in matter. Access to safe housing, green space, strong schools, supportive relationships, economic opportunity, and places where people feel connected all contribute to mental wellbeing.

At Purpose Built Communities®, we believe thriving neighborhoods help create the conditions for healthier lives. That’s why our work focuses on strengthening communities holistically, alongside residents and local leaders, so children and families can experience stability, connection, and opportunity close to home.

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we’re reminded that community wellbeing starts with neighborhoods where people feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.

05/27/2026

Healthcare systems do more than treat patients. They can help transform neighborhoods.

Across the country, healthcare anchor institutions are playing a growing role in community development, investing beyond clinical care to support stronger, healthier neighborhoods.

Leaders from the Healthcare Anchor Network shared how hospitals and health systems are partnering with Community Quarterback Organizations to align resources, deepen impact, and respond to community needs in more holistic ways.

This conversation highlighted what strong partnerships look like in practice and the range of investments that can support neighborhood transformation, from housing to workforce to community wellbeing.

The takeaway is clear: when healthcare systems engage as long-term partners, they can help create the conditions for healthier communities to take root and thrive.

05/26/2026

These powerful words from Majora Carter at our recent National Conference continue to fuel our work and challenge the way we think about neighborhood transformation.

Communities deserve investment without displacement. They deserve growth that includes the people who have long called the neighborhood home.

That’s the future we’re working toward together.

05/25/2026

What could it look like to partner more deeply with local schools? Not just support them, but help shape what’s possible.

Strong schools are at the center of thriving neighborhoods, and deeper collaboration can unlock new opportunities for students and families.

Leaders shared how Lift Orlando partnered with Transcend Education to reimagine Orange Center Elementary School through a community-driven redesign process. The work highlights the unique role Community Quarterback Organizations can play in bringing together residents, educators, and partners to shape a shared vision for student success.

Early insights from the planning process point to the value of aligning education with broader neighborhood goals, ensuring schools reflect the needs, aspirations, and strengths of the community they serve.

The takeaway is a powerful question: What could be possible if more organizations stepped into this level of partnership with their local schools?

05/22/2026

Thriving neighborhoods are shaped by more than buildings and infrastructure. Access to green space, clean air, walkable communities, and outdoor gathering places all contribute to healthier, more connected communities.

Conversations around biological diversity remind us that the environments we create and protect have a direct impact on community wellbeing. Parks, trails, gardens, and shared public spaces create opportunities for neighbors to connect, children to play, and families to build a stronger sense of belonging.

At Purpose Built Communities, we believe neighborhood transformation means creating environments where people and communities can thrive together.