At its annual meeting on October 27, the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation celebrated a year of neighborhood investment, community connections, and progress toward a stronger future.
What makes a neighborhood stronger? It's the business owner taking the next step, the volunteer giving their time, the homeowner getting a needed repair, and the neighbors who show up for one another.
Those efforts are at the heart of Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation's work. At this year's annual meeting, OBCDC reflected on the accomplishments of the past year and shared how staff, volunteers, business owners, residents, and community partners are helping move Old Brooklyn forward.
The organization's 2026 Annual Report, covering July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, highlights a year of progress across housing, economic development, community programming, and neighborhood investment.
Supporting the People Who Make Old Brooklyn Home
Much of OBCDC's work focuses on helping residents stay connected to their neighborhood and access the resources they need.
Through the Home Repair Program, OBCDC helped repair eight homes, with volunteers from World Changers assisting with six of those projects. The Healthy Homes program also conducted 339 surveys to identify housing conditions and potential concerns.
OBCDC continued offering practical learning opportunities, too. Home Repair Workshops welcomed 90 attendees, while homebuyer education helped residents better understand the process of purchasing a home. Financial literacy programming gave residents additional opportunities to build their financial knowledge.
The organization's Mighty Volunteer Program remained another important part of this work. Volunteers contributed their time to community events, neighborhood projects, and opportunities that bring people together. Since 2023, volunteers have contributed more than 3,000 hours of service.
Helping Local Businesses Grow
Small businesses are an important part of Old Brooklyn's identity, and OBCDC works directly with entrepreneurs to connect them with funding, resources, and professional support.
During the past year, seven new businesses opened and 40 businesses were retained or expanded. OBCDC also held 23 meetings with prospective business owners, made 74 property referrals, and helped businesses navigate 13 city processes.
That support can take many forms. Shag Vintage opened on Pearl Road after OBCDC helped its owners navigate funding opportunities, connect with a lawyer, and promote their grand opening. Other businesses, including Island Beats and Melted Wings Winery, are making improvements to their spaces with support from local funding programs and community partners.
OBCDC also continued working toward longer-term improvements to the neigh moved forward, and four locations were selected for new murals along Broadview Road, with completion anticipated in 2027.
Creating Opportunities to Connect
Community events remain an important way for people to meet their neighbors, discover local businesses, and get involved.
The Old Brooklyn Farmers Market welcomed approximately 3,600 attendees across 12 markets and helped residents access fresh food through $8,005 in redeemed food benefits. OB StreetFest brought thousands of people to Broadview Road for live music, local vendors, food, and family-friendly activities. Old Brooklyn Nite raised more than $60,000 to support OBCDC's work and help keep programs and events accessible to the community.
OBCDC also continued building connections through Young Brooklyn, the Old Brooklyn News publications, social media, membership, and partnerships with neighborhood organizations. These efforts help residents stay informed about local projects, find opportunities to participate, and celebrate the people and places that make Old Brooklyn special.
Celebrating the People Who Make Old Brooklyn Special
The annual meeting also gave us a chance to recognize some of the people and organizations making a difference in Old Brooklyn.
Gateway Church Old Brooklyn received the Founders Award for its contributions to the community, while Miscreant and the Muse took home the Small Business Award for its place in Old Brooklyn’s local business community. We also recognized three volunteers who logged the most service hours, celebrating the time and energy they’ve given to supporting our neighborhood.
We’re grateful to all of our award winners and volunteers for the role they play in making Old Brooklyn a great place to grow.
Welcoming New Board Members
We also welcomed new members to the OBCDC Board of Directors. Please join us in welcoming Sue Allen, Michell Hernandez Bello, and Rachael Sommer! Our board helps guide OBCDC’s work and supports our mission to strengthen Old Brooklyn. We’re grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to working together to support the neighborhood and its residents, businesses, and community partners.
Looking Ahead
The annual report also highlights work that will continue shaping Old Brooklyn in the years ahead, including redevelopment at Memphis and Pearl, improvements to commercial spaces, tree planting and maintenance, and new public art along Broadview Road.
These projects take time, collaboration, and sustained investment. They also reflect a shared commitment to making Old Brooklyn a place where residents can put down roots, businesses can grow, and neighbors can build meaningful connections.
As OBCDC looks ahead, the organization remains focused on its mission: growing Old Brooklyn through empowered partnerships, leadership, programming, and advocacy.
Thank you to the residents, business owners, members, volunteers, funders, staff, board members, and community partners who made this year's work possible. Old Brooklyn's progress is a shared effort, and we're grateful to everyone helping shape what's next.
Read the full 2026 Annual Report: Download PDF
