History

Across the country, anchor institutions are beginning to understand and leverage the power of their economic assets to address social, racial and economic disparities and revitalize local communities. Because of their commitment to place and their economic power, anchor institutions are uniquely positioned to stabilize local economies and begin to reverse the devastating effects of urban disinvestment.

That’s why, in 2017 CNHED launched the DC Community Anchor Partnership (DCAP) to develop, implement, and support shared goals and initiatives that advance equitable and inclusive economic development strategies. DCAP helps these anchor institutions to see themselves as threads of the social fabric of DC and begin to view their role as a part of the solution in bolder and broader ways.

Health systems and universities together have expenditures of more than $1 trillion annually, have at least $750 billion in investment assets, and employ more than 9 million people. These community institutions are often the largest employers and purchasers in many under-resourced communities where they are situated. They are also potential investors in these communities where their patients and students live, supporting with affordable housing, promoting home ownership, creating employee-owned businesses and more.