SC Association for Community Economic Development announces Leah Rothstein, Author & Housing Policy Leader, as a keynote speaker at 25th Annual Conference
June 10, 2024
South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) is honored to announce Leah Rothstein, Co-author of Just Action and nonprofit consultant to housing developers, cities, and counties, as a keynote speaker for its annual conference, Opportunity SC: 2024. The 25th annual conference celebrates SCACED’s 30th Anniversary and is the largest comprehensive community development convention and forum in South Carolina.
Rothstein is co-author, with Richard Rothstein, of Just Action, a sequel to The Color of Law. While in The Color of Law, Mr. Rothstein described how government policy created residential segregation, Just Action describes how local community groups can begin to redress the wrongs of segregation. Ms. Rothstein has a demonstrated history of working on public policy and community change from the grassroots to the halls of government. She has led the Alameda and San Francisco probation departments’ research on reforming community corrections policy and practice to be focused on rehabilitation, not punishment.
Rothstein also works as a consultant to nonprofit housing developers, cities and counties, redevelopment agencies, and private firms on community development and affordable housing policy, practice, and finance. Her policy work is informed by her years as a labor and community organizer, working on issues such as housing, environmental justice, workplace safety, and youth leadership.
“I look forward to sharing ideas and actionable insights gained from my experiences with local activists and community developers across the country,” said Rothstein. “Thank you to SCACED for hosting this forum to advance equitable housing solutions and community economic development in South Carolina.”
The conference, which will take place on October 17 & 18 in Charleston, South Carolina, will introduce attendees to integrated, innovative, and sustainable solutions for low‐wealth communities across the state and region. Over the past 25 years, the Opportunity SC Conference has welcomed more than 5,000 attendees, representing almost every county in the state.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Leah Rothstein as a keynote speaker at Opportunity SC: 2024,” said Bernie Mazyck, President & CEO of SCACED. “The perspectives and strategies shared by Ms. Rothstein will empower our attendees to move forward with intention as they continue to serve their communities.”
Opportunity SC: 2024 is open to anyone interested in community development, including nonprofit leaders, government officials, bankers, developers, foundations and community leaders.
About SCACED (www.scaced.org)
SCACED is a coalition of more than 200 partners and organizations who support the development of healthy and economically sustainable communities throughout South Carolina. For over 25 years, SCACED and its members have worked collaboratively to build wealth and create economic opportunity for all SC residents including a focus on minority communities and other groups who have been left out of the economic mainstream. Learn more about SCACED here.
