Historical Perspective and the Future Outlook

The new millennium will usher in an increase populations of more than one million people in cities throughout the world. The United States will be 85 percent urban. Increasingly, government, private, and public sector organizations are realizing the critical role that community organizations have to play in the revitalization of American neighborhoods.

An increase in world population means an increase in the various cultures living within cities, communities, work places, and academic institutions.

Community development cuts across racial, religious, socioeconomic, political, and educational backgrounds.

Emerging leadership will come from corporate America, the nonprofit sector, academic institutions, faith-based groups and churches, civil and social service agencies, and community residents and activists. Individuals prepared to assume leadership will step forward and address the needs of women, men, and children living in environments filled with economic, social, physical, and emotional challenges because they care about the quality of life for all people.

These professional and grassroots leaders are ordinary people addressing extraordinary and sometimes overwhelming problems that exist in communities.

To be an effective leader, these individuals will need skills and knowledge about community development that can be obtained through North Park's Master of Arts in Community Development program.

Community development encompasses every area of community life:

• Affordable housing and redevelopment
• Churches and faith-based organizations
• Cultural and arts organizations
• Economic development: investment by banks and businesses
• Environmental landscape: parks, streets, and sanitation
• Employment opportunities
• Elementary and high schools
• Healthcare facilities: clinics and hospitals
• Neighborhood day care
• Political activity by elected city officials
• Public safety provided by police and fire departments
• Public transportation access
• Social service agencies for youth, families, and the elderly