CBA Precedents

In 2009, Columbia University began building a new campus in West Harlem. Community groups in West Harlem negotiated a CBA that included $76 million "Benefits Fund" and a $20 million "Affordable Housing Fund," along with legal representation for tenants in the area. However, distributions from the Affordable Housing Fund took years to commence, and no affordable housing units have actually been built yet.

Ballpark Village project was a massive mixed-use development project in San Diego, and local action groups negotiated a community benefits agreement that included provisions for affordable housing units, a living wage, and competitive benefits for workers. At the last minute, developers added last-minute provisions to the agreement that halved the amount of onsite affordable housing, increasing the amount of affordable housing units outside the immediate neighborhood. In addition, residents waived all ability to sue for environmental disturbances due to construction. Despite its initial difficulties, however, the CBA has generally been received positively by the community.

New York's first community benefits agreement, the Atlantic Yards CBA was originally created to offset the displacement of residents and local businesses caused by construction of the Barclay Sports Arena and surrounding office and retail developments. The agreement promised affordable housing, workforce development, environmental initiatives, education and pre-K services, and small business development. After 15 years, however, the lack of enforcement mechanisms and failure to follow-up on promises has left the original agreement gutted and ineffective.

Atlanta Development Authority undertook a 2.8 billion dollar initiative which included the development of a light rail transit loop in the city. Atlanta's city ordinance required development projects like the Beltline to include community benefits stipulations, most notably an affordable housing trust, economic incentives to invest in historically disinvested areas, poverty and unemployment programs, and a first source hiring system.

In 2001, LAANE negotiated with the developer for the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment District Project to provide publicly accessible park space, community recreation facilities, employment opportunities targeted towards residents, permanent affordable housing, and mitigate issues of traffic and public safety.

In 2001, LAANE secured a deal with a large mixed-use development that secured affordable housing, a living wage, and first source hiring. In return, developers were awarded much more in city subsidies.

In 2005, LAANE helped negotiate a community benefits agreement with developers for a mixed-use transit center (includes hotel, parking, and housing units) on the corner of Vine and Hollywood. The CBA stipulates a living wage for workers, a job training program, and a percentage of housing dedicated to affordable living.

Formed in 2005 between the city of LA and the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy organization. As part of the expansion of the Los Angeles International Airport, the city promised environmental mitigations, public health programs, job training & opportunities, and more.

Formed in 2008 between the city of Richmond and the company Chevron. In exchange for allowing Chevron a building permit in the city, Richmond would receive more than $61 million in funding for community programs including job programs, violence prevention, public safety, community health, community benefits, environmental benefits, fire prevention, green energy development, and green housing projects. This was one of the first CBAs between a city and a large corporation.

In progress, formed as a response to the construction of "Aggie Square" in Sacramento which could displace residents and raise cost of living in the area