people posing in front of the lace mill building
 

 Community Development

Community development is a process where community members are supported by agencies to identify and take collective action on issues which are important to them. Community development considers community members to be experts in their lives and communities and values community knowledge and wisdom. 

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  

Successful Community-based Transformations

In addition RUPCO’s real estate development successes that contribute to our communities’ revitalization and health, the following community-based projects have been accomplished.

Louw-Bogardus House Ruin “Frog Alley”

December 10, 2021

RUPCO partnered with Friends of Historic Kingston and the City of Kingston to stabilize and preserve the Louw-Bogardus House (Frog Alley).

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