Now Hiring: Executive Director — BLDG Memphis is seeking a strategic leader to connect people, resources, and priorities.
Now Hiring: Executive Director — BLDG Memphis is seeking a strategic leader to connect people, resources, and priorities.
BLDG Memphis’ Signature Platform for Community Development Capacity Building
New City Builders is BLDG Memphis’ signature platform for member-facing programming. It supports the pipeline of Community Development Corporations, Community Development Organizations, neighborhood associations, and resident-facing organizations advancing comprehensive community development in Memphis.
Through New City Builders, members move through a structured pathway of assessment, planning, training, technical assistance, peer learning, and policy engagement. The goal is simple: help organizations become stronger, more connected, and better equipped to improve quality of life in Memphis neighborhoods.
Applications Open: July 2026
Program: September 9 – November 18
Graduation: December 3, 2026
Who We Serve
Organizations working to strengthen neighborhoods through housing, revitalization, resident engagement, economic development, and community-based programming.
Neighborhood associations, block clubs, grassroots groups, and resident-facing organizations working to organize, advocate, and lead locally.
Organizations supporting neighborhood investment, planning, infrastructure, equity, housing, small business support, and community development outcomes.
Getting Started
Become a BLDG Memphis member and begin the intake process.
Assess your organization's capacity, readiness, and support needs.
Get a customized roadmap for training, technical assistance, and next steps.
Engage in The Institute, peer learning, and member-centered programming.
Participate in the Community Development Policy Coalition and help elevate field priorities.
Join a community of organizations and leaders working together to cultivate thriving neighborhoods.
Member Pathway
Assess — Capacity Assessment Tool (CAT)
Members begin with the Capacity Assessment Tool, known as the CAT. The CAT helps identify each organization's strengths, needs, readiness, and growth opportunities.
Plan — Customized Organizational Workplan
Assessment results are used to create a customized organizational workplan. This workplan helps members focus on the right next steps for their organization, project, or community development goals.
Train — The Institute Cohort Learning
Members participate in cohort-based training through The Institute, BLDG Memphis' structured learning model for community development organizations and leaders.
Engage — Technical Assistance & Peer Learning
Members receive technical assistance, participate in peer learning, and engage in policy conversations that connect frontline community development work to broader systems change.
Grow — Alumni Network & Field Strengthening
Over time, members become part of a standing alumni network that supports the next generation of community development leaders and strengthens the field as a whole.
New City Builders is BLDG Memphis’ signature platform for member-facing programming. It supports the pipeline of Community Development Corporations, Community Development Organizations, neighborhood associations, and resident-facing organizations advancing comprehensive community development in Memphis.
Through New City Builders, members move through a structured pathway of assessment, planning, training, technical assistance, peer learning, and policy engagement.
New City Builders Platform
Member-driven policy voice
Structured shared learning
Platform Components
Two Tiers
For new and growing CDCs, CDOs, neighborhood associations, and resident-centered organizations. Focuses on organizational foundations, community development basics, project readiness, resident voice, partnership, and capital readiness.
For alumni and established organizations ready to work on a live project or organizational challenge. Focuses on applied problem-solving, milestone progress, and deeper technical assistance.
2026 Cohort
Applications Open: July 2026
Program Dates: September 9 – November 18, 2026
Graduation: December 3, 2026
The CAT is the diagnostic engine of New City Builders. Every participating member completes the CAT so BLDG Memphis can better understand the organization’s needs and match support to the right level of readiness.
The CAT looks at areas such as governance, financial management, staffing, operations, project readiness, community engagement, partnership, capital access, fund development, data, compliance, and reporting.
Peer-to-Peer Learning creates space for members to learn together, build shared language, and connect community development practice to issues like transportation, infrastructure, comprehensive planning, racial equity, and neighborhood investment. Sessions may include book clubs, case studies, guided discussions, and learning opportunities.
Upcoming Peer Learning — Book Club 2026
BLDG Memphis FORWARD invites residents, neighborhood leaders, member organizations, civic partners, and community development supporters to take part in the shared work of strengthening Memphis neighborhoods.
The initiative creates opportunities to learn, connect, advocate, and act alongside others who care about housing, neighborhood investment, resident voice, and equitable community development.
