| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 12, 2026 |
Communities Unlimited (CU), in partnership with Freddie Mac, is launching the Develop the Developer Academy in Mississippi — a program designed to equip aspiring and early-stage real estate developers with the skills, knowledge, and connections to bring community-focused housing projects to life in underutilized rural communities across the South.
“We are excited to support the next generation of housing developers in Mississippi and to create a housing ecosystem within the state that can address the needs of growing markets like Clarksdale and the unique challenges of our rural communities,” said Audra Butler, CU’s Director of Housing.
Upcoming Session
- May 18-22 – Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, MS
What It Is
This 36-hour, hands-on program is designed to prepare aspiring and early-stage developers to launch successful housing projects. Participants gain practical skills in development fundamentals, financing strategies, site planning, and community engagement. The academy is especially geared toward women, people of color, contractors, churches, landowners, and junior professionals who want to overcome barriers to capital and bring new housing opportunities to their communities. Graduates walk away with a development budget, operating pro forma, and a network of funders and mentors — tools that help turn ideas into real, fundable projects that drive local economic growth.
What Participants Can Expect
- Immersive Curriculum – development fundamentals, financing strategies, buyer readiness, and community engagement
- Expert Guidance – housing, finance, government, and construction leaders
- Capstone Pitch – present to real estate professionals and funders
- Field Visits – tour an active development site
- Ongoing Support – post-academy mentorship and funding guidance
Who Should Apply
- Aspiring Developers – planning a housing project in the next 3–5 years
- Contractors – ready to move from construction into development
- Churches & Landowners – seeking to transform underused property into housing
- Junior Staff – early-career professionals in development firms building expertise
Cost & Registration
- $199 fee (covers training, meals, and materials)
- Application deadline: March 31
- Cohort size: 20–25 participants (space is limited)
Take your skills to the next level and apply here: Develop the Developer Academy Application – Communities Unlimited.
About Communities Unlimited: Communities Unlimited, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with 108 employees, leveraging $45.6 million in assets to deliver programs and services that impact 1.4 million people across more than 1,000 rural communities in the South. Founded in 1975, CU operates in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. The organization connects rural Americans to solutions that foster healthy businesses, thriving communities, and an improved quality of life. Through a holistic approach that integrates human connection, technology, and expertise, CU supports small businesses, sustainable water systems, rural housing, and economic development.
Contact: Communities Unlimited
Website: Home – Communities Unlimited