East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation
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The East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC) is a non-profit organization based in Oakland, California, United States, focused on affordable housing and community development.[1][2] Since 1975, EBALDC has focused on creating affordable housing, stabilizing neighborhoods, and expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. The organization has a long history of serving Oakland's Chinatown Chinatown and has also worked in many nearby neighborhoods to address housing shortages and reduce economic inequality across the region.The organization has long-standing roots in Oakland’scommunity and works across diverse neighborhoods to address housing affordability and economic inequality.
| Abbreviation | EBALDC |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1975 |
| Type | Non-profit community development corporation |
| Focus | Affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, community development |
| Headquarters | 1825 San Pablo Avenue, Suite 200, Oakland, California, United States |
Region served | East Bay, California |
Key people | Andy M. Madeira (CEO) |
| Website | https://ebaldc.org/ |
EBALDC is a community development corporation in Northern California focused on affordable housing and neighborhood development.
EBALDC has been described by foundations and housing organizations as a community development nonprofit focused on affordable housing and neighborhood redevelopment.[3]
History
Formation
Back in 1975, a group of community advocates launched EBALDC to push back against urban redevelopment that hit Oakland's Asian American and immigrant communities the hardest. In those early days, they focused on saving housing in Chinatown and nearby neighborhoods, working hard to keep longtime residents from getting pushed out.
During this period, rapid redevelopment and rising housing costs in the San Francisco Bay Area created instability for long-term residents. EBALDC emerged as a response to these pressures, aiming to maintain community stability and cultural continuity.
Development over time
In the 1980s and 1990s, EBALDC expanded its activities beyond housing preservation to include broader community development initiatives such as small business support and workforce development. The organization began acquiring and managing properties directly, shifting toward a long-term real estate ownership model.
By the early 2000s, EBALDC adopted a more comprehensive development strategy combining housing development, commercial space management, and resident services. This included partnerships with financial institutions and organizations such as Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and the National Equity Fund.
Key milestones
- Expansion of affordable housing portfolio across Alameda County
- Creation of Housing Acquisition Fund for property preservation
- Development of mixed-use residential and commercial projects
- Strengthening partnerships with CDFIs and public agencies
- Growth of neighborhood stabilization and resident service programs
Organization
Structure
EBALDC is governed by a board of directors representing community leaders, housing experts, and development professionals. Executive leadership oversees real estate development, finance, and community services divisions.
Operational model
EBALDC operates through a hybrid model combining:
- Non-profit real estate development
- Property acquisition and management
- Community services and resident programs
- Public-private partnerships
- Community development finance collaboration
This structure allows EBALDC to simultaneously manage physical assets and social impact programs.
Affiliations
EBALDC collaborates with multiple organizations, including:
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
- National Equity Fund
- City of Oakland agencies
- Alameda County housing programs
Services and activities
EBALDC provides integrated services across housing, economic development, and community programming.
Affordable housing development
The organization develops and preserves affordable housing units for families, seniors, and individuals at risk of homelessness. Housing affordability is typically structured between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
EBALDC has contributed to the creation and preservation of over 2,000 housing units across the East Bay region.[4]
Economic development
EBALDC supports small business development by providing affordable commercial spaces and mixed-use developments. These projects aim to strengthen local economies while reducing displacement pressures.
Community programs
Programs include:
- Financial literacy education
- Workforce training
- Youth and senior support services
- Free tax preparation assistance (VITA programs)
The organization provides services including financial literacy education, workforce training, and tax assistance programs for local residents.[5]
Neighborhood stabilization
EBALDC engages in property acquisition and long-term ownership strategies aimed at reducing displacement risk in Oakland neighborhoods.
Impact and projects
EBALDC has been involved in affordable housing development projects across Oakland and the East Bay, including a 65-unit housing development supported by state funding.[6]
One of its projects is a 91-unit affordable housing development near the Lake Merritt BART station in Oakland, developed with other nonprofit and public partners.[7][8][9]
EBALDC received a revolving line of credit as part of a regional affordable housing investment fund managed by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).[10]
The organization has also been involved in affordable housing development projects in Oakland involving the redevelopment of underutilized sites.[11]