Hattie Dorsey-Growing for the Future: Building a viable and sustainable community using an Equity Agenda

Summary: Inclusionary policies must become the centerpiece of regional planning embracing the connection of housing, jobs, schools and transportation. Successful communities look at how all these components become interconnected and believe this is essential to achieving equitable growth and sustainability. Hattie B. Dorsey is a leading advocate on inclusionary strategies to address issues of economic disparities. Under her company, HBDorsey & Associates, formed upon retiring from the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership in 2006, she continues to carry out her personal mission by working with non-profit organizations and municipalities to facilitate housing development and inclusionary strategies. As the Founder and former Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Alliance (ADNP), a non-profit corporation organized in 1991 to formulate and implement community development strategies, she insured that housing issues were always on the agenda. Dorsey’s passion and “doer” attitude compelled her to confront the blight and urban decay in Atlanta’s neighborhoods. ADNP promotes sustainable mixed income communities and on-going revitalization and has strengthened Metro Atlanta neighborhoods and community development corporations (CDCs) that work in specific communities through a variety of services and activities. A large part of Dorsey’s expertise lies in an innate ability to develop financial resources from all sectors - private, public and philanthropic. Through her public service on numerous Boards and task forces, Dorsey continues to impact local and national dialogues, including community development, race relations, economic development, regional equity and public policy. Her consultant company, HBDorsey & Associates, provides organizational development, strategic development and fund raising support to community based organizations, foundations and local government agencies. Dorsey was the First Vice Chair for the State of Georgia’s Democratic Party for eight years, the former National President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and served as a member of the Emory University Board of Visitors, the Atlanta Women’s Foundation Board, and the Spelman College Corporate Roundtable. She currently serves on the boards of Smart Growth America and the Atlanta Medical Center as Vice Chair.