Reviews

John Gurda, author of The Making of Milwaukee

“Rarely has one individual played such a prominent role in one community for such a long time as Howard Snyder on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side. The Northwest Side Community Development Corporation: A Story of Persistence, Adaptation, and Luck is not only the chronicle of a singular career but a guided tour of our nation’s urban policy as it evolved over a period of forty years.”

Gracelyn Wilson-Harris, President & CEO
Hands of Grace, Inc.

“This book truly captures the meaning behind persistence. Howard Snyder, a leader in the community, shared the struggles and triumphs of community development on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side. This book allows you to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Through his community collaborations and actions to achieve success this story proves that anything is possible. Energy and persistence conquer all things.“

Rich Gross, former V.P., California Initiatives
Enterprise Community Partners

“Howard Snyder’s book is an important contribution to the history of community development corporations in the US.  He gives us a great analysis of one neighborhood in one city but it’s clear that we all have a lot to learn from the successes and struggles of the NWSCDC.  The book is about neighborhood change, urban economics, community organizing, nonprofit strategy and one man’s long- term commitment to a Milwaukee neighborhood. Anyone working in an American urban community can learn a lot from this book.  Read it and learn from Snyder’s wisdom.”

Ted Wysocki
U2Cando, Chicago, IL

“Howard’s “Northwest Side Community Development Corporation: A Story of Persistence, Adaptation, and Luck” not only describes his remarkable career, but it also provides an excellent history of Milwaukee and addresses the challenges of community economic development nationally over the last four decades. He notes early on that good organizers “need to answer two fundamental questions: Why” and How?” This book provides such answers to why and how community organizing and business retention are meant to go hand in hand. Howard poses whether the primary role of a nonprofit lender working in an overwhelmingly minority community is that of job replacement or wealth creation. He asserts this as a class argument since Reconstruction. It remains a relevant quandary for the years ahead. Thanks to Howard for sharing his journey; may we all ponder the lessons.”

Lynne Cunningham
Former nonprofit executive, Chicago, IL

“Luck is being in the right place at the right time and knowing it. The leadership, staff, volunteers, and supports had that insight, even in times of crisis, to see the situation and pivot. The name of the game is change, and every notable community leader can see it, and capture the resources to keep on moving towards the vision. Howard’s book is a great account of Northwest Side CDC’s journey to build and leverage relationships for the long term that made things happen in the community.”