On April 9, 2025, Presley Gillespie, President and CEO of Neighborhood Allies, delivered a guest lecture at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design as part of the seminar The Gentrification Debates: Perceptions and Realities of Neighborhood Change. The course explores the causes and impacts of gentrification and highlights real-world strategies to promote equitable development.

In his talk, Powering People-Centered Development, Presley shared how Neighborhood Allies is advancing inclusive neighborhood change in Pittsburgh. He highlighted our integrated approach—combining technical assistance, Social Impact Design, and capital investment—to ensure long-term affordability, prevent displacement, and build community wealth.

Drawing on examples like Rhythm Square in the Hill District and Benedict Dwellings in Homewood, he illustrated how community-led development can preserve cultural identity while expanding opportunity.

Presley also emphasized the importance of equity, digital inclusion, and financial empowerment as essential components of healthy neighborhood transformation and closed with an inspiring message to students: “We must move from top-down planning to equity-centered, community-led development. That’s how we build neighborhoods of opportunity for all.”

You can view his full presentation here.