What we do: We provide a vehicle for residents to exercise neighborhood control and access to resources.

How we do it: By creating, uniting, and empowering leaders to champion community causes

Who we do it for: All residents of the Dudley neighborhoodrganize, plan for, create and control a vibrant, diverse and high-quality neighborhood in collaboration with community partners.

Our Values

• Collective Resident Leadership and Control
• Community Political Power and Voice
• Mutual Shared Accountability and Responsibility
• Vibrant Cultural Diversity
• Fair and Equal Share of Resources and Opportunity
• Development Without Displacement

Our Story

DSNI has a long history of over 35 years, here are some key dates that make up our story:

DSNI was formed by Dudley residents seeking to reclaim a neighborhood that had been ravaged by disinvestment, arson fires and dumping. When many had given up, DSNI organized neighbors to create a comprehensive plan and a shared vision for a new, vibrant urban village. To secure development without displacement, DSNI gained eminent domain authority, purchased vacant land, and protected affordability.

This process led to family stability and the creation of a community land trust. Today, the once garbage-strewn lots have been rebuilt with quality affordable houses, parks, playgrounds, gardens, community facilities, and new businesses.

Through service on DSNI’s Board, residents lead an effort that includes all neighborhood stakeholders in a democratically-elected, community process. Together, DSNI has created greater civic participation, economic opportunity, community connections, and opportunities for youth. We have built community across our diversity of language, race, ethnicity, and age. We have invested in our young people and the youth in turn have invested in the community.

Supporting residents in advocating for greater access to public resources and services in the neighborhood

Taking leadership at a neighborhood and City level to drive policy changes and new anti-displacement strategies

Organizing regular creative place-making activities to celebrate, preserve and link the diverse cultures in the neighborhood.

Our Impact

DSNI is the lead collaborator for comprehensive community development initiatives in Dudley, organizing residents to revitalize our neighborhood, increase our economic opportunities, and leverage the creativity and diversity of our community