Community-Engaged Development

By Dmitri Belser

Leading the Ed Roberts Campus as a model for community development with Federal, State, regional and city funding and neighborhood support.

The ERC is a universally designed, transit-oriented facility that currently houses 13 non-profit agencies. Each one is part of Berkeley's internationally renowned disability rights movement.

I collaborated with a broad constituency of local neighbors, disability agencies, federal state and local government entities, BART and transportation funders, and foundations. I led the ERC through much of the $54 million fundraising, design, construction, and opening.

I believe this election is largely about economic development, and I want to see more jobs created in Berkeley so young people can gain experience and contribute to their community.

The Ashby-Lorin area is the only commercial district outside of downtown that has a BART station, and I will focus on this as a major activity, by working with the various brokers, property owners, and business owners in the commercial corridors to encourage businesses to locate, stay, and expand in South Berkeley.

I know how to bring in state and federal funding that provides jobs and serves all of our community.