The Community Development Council (CDC) is a nonprofit organization founded to promote the advancement of standards of competence for community development professionals through accreditation of community development educational programs, professional certification, and the development of community volunteer leaders.

"Individuals are now choosing community development as their vocation of choice. Utilities and other private sector companies have recognized the importance of strong communities to their bottom line and are devoting staff to the practice of community development. Organizations such as chambers of commerce are allocating staff to community development activities resulting in a healthier community so that dollars invested in business recruitment and infrastructure may be fully realized."