Hattie Dorsey: Highchair to the Rocking Chair: The system of building successful, affordable, inclusive communities

Summary: America’s workforce has been pushed further and further away from job centers to fi nd homes they can afford - which increases our commutes, decreases time with families, raises stress levels and contributes to poor air quality. No longer just an issue for the very low income, our moderate income workforce and seniors often fi nd themselves the casualties of gentrifi cation. The most successful communities look closely at how housing, jobs, traffi c, air quality, health and transportation all play an important and interconnected role in our quality of life, however, to achieve this goal, there must be a commitment of resources and a network of diverse decision makers to encourage the development of housing for all people in all stages of life. Hattie B. Dorsey is a leading advocate for housing issues. One of her most important accomplishments has been the shifting of perceptions about the importance of revitalized neighborhoods and the critical need for an affordable, mixed income housing approach that includes all segments of the population. As the Founder and former Chief Executive Offi cer 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 was 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 specifi c communities through a variety of services and activities. A large part of Dorsey’s expertise lies in an innate ability to develop fi nancial 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. Hattie Dorsey was the First Vice Chair for the State of Georgia’s Democratic Party for eight years. She is the former National President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and founding president of the group’s metro Atlanta chapter. She has served on the Emory University Board of Visitors, the Atlanta Women’s Foundation board, and the Spelman College Corporate Roundtable. She is the recipient of numerous national honors and awards.