Mission
Alchemist CDC's mission is to promote equitable development through smart growth and social justice.
Vision
Alchemist supports Sacramento residents in their efforts to develop vibrant, equitable and diverse communities.
Why "Alchemist"?
Alchemy, the medieval science best known for seeking to transmute, or transform, base metals into gold, appealed to us because of Sacramento's history as a Gold Rush town and the idea of transformation. We saw an opportunity in Sacramento's rapid growth and active community to help nurture and transform neighborhoods into the community's vision. Our logo is a combination of the German alchemy symbol for gold and an Egyptian symbol for "village" or community.
Principles
Alchemist follows a number of principles:
- Public design patterns and "formula" planning should be responsive to the specific needs and health of our communities.
- Locally- and community-owned businesses are key to regional economic health.
- Government should be transparent, accessible, and collaborative with community and nonprofit groups.
- Physical redevelopment must be accompanied by social development.
- All revitalization should benefit all community residents.
- Housing choices should reflect household incomes.
- Historical resources should be preserved and celebrated.
Organizational History
Alchemist Community Development Corporation was founded in 2004 by three graduate students in the UC Davis Masters program in Community Development: Wendy Carter, Lisa Nelson and Chris Aguirre. As students in the field of community development and residents of downtown Sacramento, they were intrigued by the urban challenges and opportunities arising from the growth and development of the city. They felt that that all residents should have a voice in, and the opportunity to benefit from, community development in Sacramento. They also believed that the resources of the University could be shared to support the revival and preservation of the rich ethnic and socio-economic diversity in Sacramento's historic and unique urban neighborhoods.