Community Development

Community and economic development is a dynamic, complex and ever-changing endeavor. Every community faces different challenges and chooses different strategies for revitalization.

• Urban markets – These communities may face rapid population growth and sky-rocketing land and development costs (resulting in affordability issues for low- and moderate-income residents).
• Rural communities – These areas may face population losses and lack of new community investments (resulting in declining property values and abandoned properties).
• Vibrant communities – Comprising separate, yet interconnected, components, these areas have the benefit of adequate infrastructure, quality education, workforce development, sufficient cultural and recreational facilities, access to health care and social services and employment opportunities.

Each community has its strengths and areas of opportunity—and employs different strategies to improve the livability of the area. BB&T understands the complexity of the community development process and that a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn't work. We firmly believe community development is a long-term process that's most successful when the nonprofit, public and private sectors work collectively to address the unique challenges each of our communities faces.

BB&T has created a comprehensive program for community development and employs Community Development Specialists to help connect the various pieces of the development puzzle. Our solution results in new brick and mortar projects, nonprofit capacity building, small business entrepreneurial development and community services necessary to support sustainable neighborhood revitalization.

One of the ways BB&T demonstrates our continuing commitment to the geographic markets we serve is through our support of community partners. We've created a comprehensive Capacity Building Program that surpasses any current offering in the market, and includes housing and economic development certification training and technical assistance.

Training includes:

• Housing Development Finance Professional Certification Program
• Economic Development Finance Professional Certification Program
• Training institutes
• National/regional conferences and summits

Technical assistance is provided to bridge the gap between the classroom and the neighborhood. Many professionals become skilled in the areas of predevelopment, financing, construction and management.