South City CDC
Affordable Housing | Education | Community Development
South City CDC is a Memphis-based, women owned nonprofit redefining what’s possible in community development. We build homes, equip residents, and drive dollars back into South Memphis all while making neighborhoods safer, stronger, and more beautiful.
What Makes Us Different
Why Clients Choose Us Again and Again
Over $3 million in new housing construction underway
Licensed to build up to $3 million
5 out of 11 active permits pulled in the heart of South Memphis
24/7 site surveillance with the Memphis Police Department
Partnered with Lowe’s to streamline supply and keep costs down
Who We Are
We’re not just a CDC, we’re the builder.
Founded and led by Casey Cooper, South City CDC is an emerging powerhouse in equitable development. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured to build, train, and transform communities from the inside out.
Our Mission
To stabilize and elevate historically disinvested neighborhoods through affordable housing, trades education, and community-led investment.
Our Approach
Vertically integrated
we own the process from blueprint to back
porch
Culturally rooted
we build for and with Black families and underserved communities
Outcome-driven
we don’t just serve people, we equip them to build legacy
OUR MODEL
Our Model Is Different — And It Works
We’re not your average CDC.
We’re licensed, bonded, and insured to build the homes ourselves not just plan them or hand them off. That changes everything.
Licensed General Contractor (GC): We’re licensed to build projects up to $5 million, giving us control over cost, quality, and timelines.
Permits Pulled, Money Moving: Of 11 active residential permits in our target area, 5 are ours.
$3M+ in New Construction: In 2025 alone, we’re injecting over $3 million worth of housing into South Memphis.
24/7 Community Safety: We partner with the Memphis Police Department for round-the-clock site surveillance.
Backed by Lowe’s: Our national partnership with Lowe’s secures our supply chain and speeds up our builds.
WHAT WE DO
Affordable Housing Development
We transform vacant lots into quality homes that are affordable, energy-efficient, and built to last.
Builder Training & Education
We train local residents — real estate, and small business ownership.
Community Development Projects
We lead place-based revitalization efforts, including blight removal, beautification, and neighborhood safety enhancements.
Community Development Projects
We lead place-based revitalization efforts, including blight removal, beautification, and neighborhood safety enhancements.
FLAGSHIP PROJECT: SHAW DEVELOPMENT
The Shaw Development is our proof of concept — a model for what’s possible when capital, culture, and construction align.
Located in the heart of South Memphis, this multi-home affordable cluster:
Was built entirely by our in-house team
Activated local contractors and vendors
Includes 24-hour MPD surveillance
Has drawn media attention as a national model for community-rooted CDCs
Footage and press coverage available upon request.
PARTNERSHIPS
We’re proud to work alongside:
Lowe’s
City of Memphis Housing & Community Development
Memphis Police Department
Chairman’s Circle Members
And other civic + private partners
DONATE / FUND
Why Fund South City CDC?
We’re a licensed, bonded, and insured GC that builds affordable housing — fast
We educate and employ locally
We revitalize blocks, not just buildings
We’re ready to scale with capital and partnership
Your support helps us:
Build new homes
Stabilize our communities