History and Mission

LEDC’s mission is to improve the wealth-generating capacity of low to moderate-income Latinos and other underserved communities in the Washington Metropolitan Area. We believe that the best method to develop sustainable and healthy communities is to create many paths to wealth-generation, so LEDC simultaneously develops small businesses, creates homeowners and preserves affordable housing, strategically targeting all these services in neighborhoods where our client population lives and works. We envision all Washington-area residents having the awareness and equitable access to resources in order to build financial assets and participate in political decisions that foster vibrant, livable communities.

This vision of a community with equitable access to wealth-creation tools drove LEDC’s founding in 1991. Formed in response to civil disturbances in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of DC, we have worked for 16 years to increase the participation of Latinos and other immigrants in the opportunities that the economy of Washington, DC has to offer.

Our values:

Honesty:  LEDC values integrity, transparency and openness in dealing with clients, funders and the community at large

Reliability: LEDC strives to provide services that are effective, demonstrating its commitment to its goals and fostering trust among its partners.

Leadership: LEDC seeks a standard of excellence based on experience, offering a source of stewardship and guidance for others.

Innovation: LEDC endeavors to break new ground in the improvement and expansion of its services, becoming a pioneer for new initiatives and rising to the challenge to be creative.