About Us
Our mission is to promote economic and social enhancement for the Asian community of Greater Boston. In support of this mission, we have worked to develop housing, provide commercial professional and retail space, provided incubator space for new businesses, established numerous training and educational programs, and sponsored civic initiatives to help make Boston’s Chinatown a better place to work and live. We have leveraged our expertise and longtime service as a 501(c)(3) to successfully secure Federal, State, and local funding to help deliver projects to our community.
Our Goals
Develop affordable
housing and office space
Improve the living standards of the
local Chinese community
Help emerging Chinese entrepreneurs
to start their businesses
Our History
The Chinese Economic Development Council (CEDC) was established in 1974 to assist the low income and often non-English speaking Asian residents of Boston’s Chinatown to achieve economic and social self-sufficiency. The CEDC is one of the early Title VII non-profit community development corporations that evolved from its predecessor, the Chinese Local Development Corporation.
Our Impact
During the ‘70s:
• Provided a chefs training program for residents
• Provided start-up funding for Advanced Electronics, Inc. which subsequently employed over 200
community residents
• Purchased 65 Harrison Avenue and converted it into a vibrant retail, residential and community
space
During the ‘80s:
• Established a computer training lab and English as a second language class offerings at
65 Harrison Avenue
• Developed Oxford Place, a 39-unit, low income housing residence that was fully occupied within
two weeks of opening
• Developed the China Trade Center which offered first class retail, office, and restaurant space
During the ‘90s:
• Continued to renovate 65 Harrison Avenue adding 32 moderate income housing units and a
Chinese Cultural Center and library
• Created space for small business start-ups
• Launched a Job Readiness and Training Center
• Developed Mei Wah Village, an elderly housing residence in collaboration with South Cove
Nursing Home
2000 through present:
• Started a youth mentoring program and provided a study space for work after school
• Developed Ping-on Apartments, a 67-unit affordable housing residence
• Currently developing 78 Tyler Street into 8 affordable housing units
