Community Development

RUPCO uses an “asset-based” community-building approach to promote revitalization, sustainability, smart growth, and active transportation in Hudson Valley communities. We respond to deficits that have been self-identified by local communities in their organizational and institutional capacity, housing stock, and infrastructure. The focused effort allows us to address community needs, including the development of public infrastructure and facilities, job creation and economic development, affordable rental housing, and homeownership. 

At RUPCO, we believe that community capacity is more than the sum of its parts. It is the ability of the associations and institutions to use the skills, knowledge, and skills of all the community residents to take the initiative, responsibility and be adaptable in the face of constant change. The goal of our Community Development department is threefold: 

• To empower communities to guide their own decision making 
• To improve development decision making in local communities 
• To improve the social and economic wellbeing of the citizens of the Hudson Valley

RUPCO achieves this goal by:   

• Networking and listening within communities 
• Participating in community and municipal discussions regarding housing, zoning, transportation, recreation space, public health, and infrastructure 
• Sharing information and resources for community change and that can support individuals 
• Consulting with like-minded agencies and community groups to match funding with projects  

• Writing and managing funding proposals for RUPCO’s Real Estate Development projects and other related community initiatives