Location Pin National

Building Wealth from the Ground Up: Community Investing

Imagine a neighborhood where residents own the very spaces that shape their lives - cafe's, shops, housing, and community hubs. A place where local people can invest directly in their community's future, building wealth that stays in the neighborhood. That's the power of a Community Investment Vehicle (CIV).

What is a CIV?

At its heart, a CIV is a way for community members to collectively invest in and own local assets. It breaks down the barriers that often keep everyday people - especially those from underserved areas - out of investment opportunities. Instead ofneeding to be wealthy or accredited, residents can pool resources to invest in real estate, businesses, and community spaces that reflect their values and priorities. 

It's about ownership and control, creating an economy where wealth generated by the community stays in the community. Whether it's affordable housing, local businesses, or mixed-used developments, CIVs offer a way to take charge of economic development - and keep that growth rooted locally. 

urbane's journey with civs: real people, real change

Urbane is on a mission to put investment power back into the handsd of communities. We’re not just developers—we’re partners in building local ownership and wealth. As part of our CIV initiative, Urbane has developed an Urbane CARE Fund, a pilot CIV in partnership with the Boston Impact Initiative. It’s a model for how community capital can fuel neighborhood growth, preserve affordability, and advance racial and economic justice. 

By focusing on blended capital and community ownership, these projects ensure that local residents are not just bystanders—they’re stakeholders in their community’s transformation. 

civs in action: le baobab - a community anchor in southwest philadelphia

Our first CIV pilot, Le Baobab, is a perfect example of how investing in community spaces can revitalize a neighborhood. This project expands a beloved restaurant in Southwest Philadelphia with Côte d'Ivoire roots into a dynamic, multi-use space. The goal? To create an economic anchor that supports local food entrepreneurs with affordable kitchen access while preserving a piece of neighborhood history. 

We’re not just building a business—we’re creating a space that brings people together and builds economic pathways. From a bustling catering service to shared kitchen operations and affordable housing on the upper floors, Le Baobab embodies what CIVs are all about: community-driven growth. 

Making investment accessible: financial education for all

We know that investment can feel intimidating, so we’re committed to making financial education fun and approachable. That’s why we developed a Community Investing 101 curriculum and accompanying digital game. These interactive tools use real-world scenarios and gamified learning to teach the basics of investment and financial decision-making. 

Our goal is simple: to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial background, can confidently engage in community investment.  

a vision for the future

At Urbane, we believe that true economic resilience comes from local ownership and collective action. By giving residents the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to invest in their own neighborhoods, we’re helping to build wealth that lasts. 

We’re excited to see how CIVs continue to evolve and empower communities. One thing’s for sure—when residents have a stake in their community’s future, the whole neighborhood rises together.