Brave Space Convenings

“These gatherings are our big bet on shifting the way asset holders see and deploy capital.” - Lisa Nutter  

The Meaning Behind Convenings

Our convenings are more than community gatherings—they are a key part of our strategy to shift both practice and policy. Each one is designed to elevate frontline solutions, challenge the limitations of traditional funding frameworks, and move decision-makers into deeper alignment with community-rooted change.

Past Convenings

  • Affordability in Focus Part I - November 15

     We spent time focused on the word “affordability” –  what it means, how it’s (mis)understood, (mis)used, the impact and role of narratives in shaping perspectives about it, and how Philadelphia and other communities might consider reframing it in order to achieve more impactful and comprehensive policies and practices.

  • Affordability in Focus Part I - November 15

    Our keynote speaker, Trabian Shorters framed our discussion and three CII solution leaders had a candid discussion about land use, housing and community ownership

  • Affordability in Focus Part II - March 7

     We spent time unearthing opportunities to work collectively on critical policy issues and matters of practice that impact the flow and design of funding.  Our keynote speaker was Tonya Allen, President of the McKnight Foundation. 

  • Affordability in Focus Part II - March 7

    Tonya kicked things off by sharing her experiences as a community and philanthropic leader who has helped raise $1B+ for localized strategies using an asset framing and collective action approach called GroundBreak Coalition before a panel of national funders spoke to identifying solutions, solution stacks, and strategies set the best conditions for economic mobility and an equitable economy.

Redefining "Affordability": A Community-Centered Approach

What if the way we talk about housing affordability is actually limiting our solutions? These visual explorations challenge conventional economic thinking by centering community voices and lived experiences. From transforming capital flows to reshaping policy narratives, discover how communities are moving beyond traditional constraints to create innovative, equitable development strategies.

Explore two interconnected perspectives on building thriving neighborhoods—one focused on organizing resources and collective action, the other on changing the stories that drive policy decisions.

Affordability in Focus

Part One

Transforming Communities Through Collective Action

Discover how communities are rewriting the rules of economic development. From shifting capital flows to creating "brave spaces" for innovation, these strategies move beyond traditional affordability constraints. Explore solutions that center community voices, support aspiring wealth-builders, and organize resources in transformational ways—proving we can collectively achieve what once seemed impossible.


Part Two:

The Power of Narrative in Housing Policy

See how the stories we tell about affordability shape real outcomes. When media narratives focus on deficits rather than assets, they influence public understanding and policy decisions. Learn why communities are demanding more accurate, data-driven stories that reflect lived experiences—and how changing these narratives is essential for creating effective, equitable housing solutions.ble.

Our Why

  • Elevate solutions and challenges solution leaders face scaling their work

  • Cross-institutional dialogue moving leadership from CII to local community coalition

  • Encourage collaboration for shifts in practice and policy to achieve our economic mobility goals