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About COSCDA

Tess Hembree

Tess Hembree
Executive Director

As the Executive Director of Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA), I take great pride in welcoming you to our official website.

COSCDA supports the common interest and goals of states, with major emphasis on community development, affordable housing, local economic development and state-local relations. COSCDA advocates for the interests of states with federal policy makers. We analyze proposed legislation and budget initiatives, help states share information about best practices and produce a variety of newsletters. In addition we also offer COSCDA members technical assistance on a variety of community development and housing related issues. My desire is to provide our members and visitors with the latest information on these important issues. Additionally, we strive to take advantage of the latest technology to make constant improvements in the look and navigation of our site – resulting in greater utilization by our members. I trust that your visit will be informative.

COSCDA Vision

COSCDA represents the leadership role of the states as the premier voice of authority to Congress, federal and state agencies in advocating and promoting community development and affordable housing, eliminating homelessness and in providing technical assistance and increasing collaboration among state partners.

COSCDA Mission

Advocate for the common community development goals of the states;

Develop policies and recommendations on community development issues;

Keep members informed on federal and state legislative and administrative developments that affect them;

Enhance the capacity of states to deal effectively and comprehensively with community development issues;

Ensure the availability of community development expertise to members;

Encourage and assist states in the development and implementation of effective community development programs; and

Facilitate the exchange of information about programs and achievements among states

COSCDA History

COSCDA was created in December 1974 as the Council of State Community Affairs Agencies (COSCDAA).

Directors of State Departments of Community Affairs established then-COSCDAA as a forum for discussion of and action on national issues of common interest. Through the 1980s, the most prominent change among COSCDA members was the merger of community affairs and economic development responsibilities.

In June 1989, membership voted to change the name to Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA) from the Council of State Community Affairs Agencies. This decision was to ensure the name more accurately reflected the roles and responsibilities of its members. The name change took effect in the fall of 1990.

Throughout its history, the primary purpose of the Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA) has remained promoting the common interests and goals of the states, with major emphasis on community development, housing, homelessness, local economic development, disaster recovery and state-local relations. The organization undertakes this purpose through advocacy, professional development and member services. COSCDA provides a forum for state agencies to “tell their story” – the important contributions of states in communities throughout this nation. As a nonprofit organization, COSCDA is supported by membership dues.