Urban Edge and Nuestra Comunidad announced today, following a unanimous vote by Nuestra’s current Board of Directors; the appointment of a new Board of Directors and Emilio Dorcely, CEO of Urban Edge as Interim Executive Director of Nuestra, effective February 15, 2026. The formation of the new Nuestra Board of Directors as Urban Edge advances its planned merger with Nuestra Comunidad marks a significant milestone in the process. The merger will increase the ability to preserve affordable housing, support residents, and invest deeply in the neighborhoods we serve: Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, and Mattapan.
“The formation of this new board is an exciting step forward in our merger journey and our shared commitment to stronger, more equitable neighborhoods. Throughout this process the support and stewardship of Evelyn Friedman was essential. We also salute the efforts of Nuestra’s volunteer board over the past year and a half, which helped bring us to this moment,” said Emilio Dorcely, CEO of Urban Edge and Interim CEO of Nuestra.
The new Board, composed almost entirely of local community members, reflects a shared commitment to continuity and mission alignment as both organizations prepare for functional integration by 2027.
The newly appointed Board of Directors includes:
Johanna Smith, President and Director
Kelvin Juarbe, Clerk and Director
Natacha Dunker, Treasurer and Director
Donna Cramer, Director
Genie Curry, Director
Eddie Jenkins, Director
Anne McKinnon, Director
Armani White, Director
“This moment represents a powerful alignment of two organizations with deep roots and a shared vision for equitable development, community empowerment, and housing stability,” said Johanna Smith, newly-elected President and Director of the Board.
“As we move forward together, our priority remains clear: protecting affordability, strengthening resident services, and ensuring that the people who call Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and Mattapan home continue to have a voice in shaping their neighborhoods,” said Donna Cramer, newly-elected Director of the Board (and board member of Nuestra from 2009-2026).
To our residents, partners, and community,
We are excited to share an important step forward in Urban Edge’s and Nuestra Comunidad’s mission of strengthening families and fostering thriving communities through affordable housing and innovative development. After extensive discussions and careful planning, the boards of Urban Edge and Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation have decided to move forward with a merger process that will combine the strengths of both organizations. Through this merger we will increase our ability to preserve affordable housing, support residents, and invest deeply in the neighborhoods we serve: Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, and Mattapan.
For the next two years, both organizations will retain their distinct identities, and Urban Edge will ensure that Nuestra maintains its community relationships. At the same time, Urban Edge will begin introducing new programs and services to expand support for Nuestra residents, aligned with the missions of both organizations to strengthen communities and families, and to advance neighborhood revitalization, self-sufficiency, and inclusive prosperity.
Over time, Urban Edge will also invest in Nuestra’s housing portfolio in Mattapan and Dorchester, with a strong focus in Roxbury, to stabilize properties and secure the long-term sustainability of these essential community assets. These investments will ensure that families continue to benefit from safe, high-quality, and affordable homes for generations to come.
The benefits of this merger will be wide-reaching. Together, we will strengthen operations and services for more than 800 families in Nuestra housing; grow our collective portfolio to over 2,500 affordable homes; and increase our financial capacity to reinvest in existing properties and enhance portfolio quality. Most importantly, we will advance a shared and powerful mission: stabilizing communities, preventing displacement, and fostering economic development through key programming, services, and the delivery of high-quality, transformative affordable urban projects that create sustainable, thriving, and inclusive neighborhoods.
Thank you for your continued partnership. We look forward to keeping you updated as we take this step forward.
Sincerely,
Emilio Dorcely, CEO
Urban Edge
Evelyn Friedman, Interim Executive Director
Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation
For Media Inquiries please contact Anusha Mookherjee at amookherjee@denterlein.com.
