In order for an urban renaissance to truly occur, The Bedford Group understands that it takes more than just technical expertise. It also takes the collaborative effort and vision of the public and private sector, financial institutions, local businesses and the community at large.
To that end, Bedford is fully committed to forging solid community partnerships. Since its inception, Bedford has managed to stay the tide of local politics while simultaneously deepening alliances with community leaders, neighborhood groups and block clubs. These efforts include involving community residents early in the development process, keeping them informed throughout the various stages, hearing their concerns, and actively listening to suggestions regarding their development needs and desires.
This kind of commitment has helped The Bedford Group accomplish hard-to-develop projects in areas that might have been impossible without this type of community and political support.
• Supportive Services
As a core part of its development program, The Bedford Group strives to initiate comprehensive community building and outreach initiatives. Through strategic public/private alliances, the firm has created a successful community development model.
For example, after the Los Angeles Riots of 1992, when most developers abandoned the inner city, The Bedford Group stayed, rebuilt, and honed a depth of experience in development, construction, finance, and entitlements that have stood the test of time in a constantly changing real estate development environment.
During this sensitive time, Bedford extended its hand to the South Los Angeles community with the assistance of its nonprofit partner, Corridor Economic Development Corporation. Through this public/private partnership, The Bedford Group was able to provide housing, as well as support services to its lower-income residents. As a result of such efforts, Bedford’s communities have been rewarded with community support, a reputation for quality and innovation, and continued profitability.
In addition to providing supportive services, The Bedford Group is developing
an Urban Homebuyer Education initiative to provide assistance
to its first-time buyers. In collaboration with
its affiliate Urban
X Marketing, Bedford is creating the First Home Program, a homebuyer education and training program for young urban professionals and first-time homebuyers.
Lastly, in terms of local community support, The Bedford Group has been an active sponsor of a number of programs and events. Beneficiaries have included community residents and groups as wells as local high schools and universities. Some of which include:
- Crenshaw High School and the Urban Land Institute’s Urban Plan Program
- Legislative Black Caucus’ Annual Awards Dinner
- Los Angeles Urban League’s Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Dinner
- Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable
- Save Africa’s Children
- Urban X Marketing’s Rebuilding South LA discussion series
- USC’s Ross Minority Program in Real Estate
- West Angeles CDC’s Annual Unity Awards Dinner
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