Reparative Development Consulting for Government Agencies
Advancing Equity. Restoring Trust. Building Thriving Communities.
At Williams & Russell Community Development Corporation (CDC), we partner with government agencies to design and implement reparative development strategies that repair historical harms, expand economic opportunity, and create lasting, community-driven outcomes.
We provide comprehensive consulting services that help city, county, and state agencies move from “equity commitments” to equity implementation. Our approach combines historical context analysis, community voice, and technical expertise in economic development.
Our work is grounded in truth, accountability, and a forward-looking vision of equitable development.
What We Do
Our services include:
Equitable Policy & Program Design
Crafting reparative policies, investment strategies, and development frameworks aligned with legal requirements and community priorities.
Public Engagement & Facilitation
Leading meaningful engagement processes that go beyond outreach to build authentic relationships and trust.
Community Wealth-Building Strategies
Supporting programs that create ownership, business development, and generational wealth opportunities for historically excluded residents.
Capacity-Building for Government Teams
Delivering training, workshops, and staff development on equity implementation, anti-displacement, reparative planning, and community-centered development.
Governance & Community Oversight Structures
Designing transparent, accountable systems that ensure community stakeholders are central decision-makers—not just participants.
Why Reparative Development Matters
Government agencies across the country are recognizing that traditional planning and development models have too often:
Displaced long-standing communities
Destroyed cultural centers
Limited economic mobility
Undermined community trust
Reparative development is not about revisiting the past—it is about correcting course and building a more inclusive future.
Our work supports municipalities and agencies in:
◦ Reversing patterns of exclusion
◦ Reinvesting in impacted communities
◦ Redistributing opportunity and economic benefit
◦ Crafting development that honors community history and legacy
Who We Serve
Williams & Russell CDC partners with:
City governments
Metropolitan planning organizations
County governments
Transportation & infrastructure agencies
State agencies
Redevelopment agencies
Housing authorities
Public investment offices
If your organization is committed to rectifying historical inequities and advancing equitable development, we can support your efforts from concept to implementation.
Featured Outcomes
Our work helps governments:
Rebuild trust with communities impacted by displacement or urban renewal
Develop actionable, measurable reparative development plans
Create community ownership structures that keep wealth local
Guide large-scale public investments through an equity lens
Strengthen internal capacity for long-term equity leadership
Why Williams & Russell CDC?
Community-Rooted Leadership
We are led by professionals with deep lived experience in communities affected by displacement and redevelopment.
Technical Expertise Across Sectors
Our team includes specialists in:
Urban planning
Economic development
Policy analysis
Community organizing
Public engagement
Nonprofit management
Real estate and land use
Trusted by Government & Community
Our reputation is built on transparency, accountability, and consistently honoring community priorities.
Partner With Us
Let’s build a future where development heals, restores, and uplifts.
If your government agency is ready to advance equity through meaningful, reparative development practices, Williams & Russell CDC is ready to support you.
Clients / Consultations
City of Seattle
City of Ashville (North Carolina)
City of Raleigh (North Carolina)
City of Toronto