The American City Coalition

What The American City Coalition does

The American City Coalition (TACC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1994 and headquartered at 2136 Washington Street in Roxbury's Nubian Square. TACC operates three interconnected equity programs targeting residents of Roxbury and Dorchester: Roxbury Worx (workforce development connecting hidden and middle-skill workers to high-road jobs in life sciences, healthcare, and climate sectors via an 18-organization coalition), Savor the Square (a monthly outdoor marketplace supporting BIPOC micro-entrepreneurs with free vending opportunities, launched 2020), and Waterways (a waterfront access initiative engaging 4,500+ participants annually on Boston's 47-mile shoreline, launched 2018 with Barr Foundation support).

TACC has a full-time staff of five augmented by two Northeastern University co-op fellows placed each year. Its technology footprint is minimal; the organization has no proprietary platform, API, or mobile applications, and its competitive differentiation derives from community trust built over 30+ years, a resident-driven 'doing is planning' approach, and a dense coalition of 30+ strategic and financial partners. Programs are delivered free to community participants through events, ambassador networks (25 Waterways Ambassadors trained in 2024 contributing 425+ hours), and partner referrals.

Revenue is sourced primarily from foundation grants (Barr Foundation), state grants (Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development, Urban Agenda Grant Program), municipal funding (City of Boston), and individual donations. The organization is led by President and CEO Willie Bodrick II, J.D., M. Div., who also serves as Senior Pastor of Historic Twelfth Baptist Church and sits on the Governor's Advisory Council on Black Empowerment. Financial figures are not publicly disclosed.

Name

The American City Coalition

Legal name

The American City Coalition

Website

https://tamcc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The American City Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1994 that runs three equity programs—Roxbury Worx (workforce development), Savor the Square (BIPOC micro-enterprise support), and Waterways (waterfront access)—serving Roxbury and Dorchester residents in Boston through a coalition of 18 partner organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Development Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (81341), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Workforce Development & Inclusive Employment (Job Training, Placement) (BPAGALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Workforce Readiness, Career Pathways & Youth Employment Nonprofits (BPAGADAF), Human Rights & Anti-Discrimination Organizations (BPAGAFAB), Environmental Justice & Community Environmental Health (BPAGAGAL)

Keywords

• Workforce development programs
• Community economic development
• Waterfront access initiatives
• Nonprofit community services
• BIPOC micro-entrepreneurship

Headquarters

HQ city

Roxbury

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding: Primary revenue from foundation grants (e.g., Barr Foundation for Waterways), government grants (Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development), and municipal funding. Positions are grant-supported (e.g., Waterways Coordinator funded through December 2027, Roxbury Worx Project Manager for 12 months).
2. Donations: Individual donations accepted via email ([email protected]). Organization holds 501(c)(3) status (EIN 04-3243095).

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The American City Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free community-based programs in Roxbury and Dorchester (Boston) addressing racial equity through three initiatives: Roxbury Worx (workforce development for life sciences, healthcare, and climate sector jobs), Savor the Square (BIPOC micro-enterprise support via monthly themed marketplaces), and Waterways (Boston waterfront access and advocacy). Programs are free to participants and funded primarily by foundation and government grants, with supporting tools like the online Career Map, Annual Conference, Waterways Ambassadors training, and Greater Roxbury Book Fair.

Product overview

The American City Coalition operates a portfolio of three interconnected equity programs: Roxbury Worx (workforce development connecting residents to jobs in life sciences, healthcare, and climate sectors), Savor the Square (economic development supporting BIPOC micro-entrepreneurs through community marketplace events), and Waterways (connecting Roxbury and Dorchester residents to Boston's waterfront). Supporting offerings include the Roxbury Worx Career Map tool, annual conferences, and the Waterways Ambassadors training program. The programs work collaboratively to address community-identified barriers through workforce development, economic development, research, and policy strategies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Roxbury Worx: A workforce development program that connects Roxbury residents, especially hidden and middle-skills workers, to high-road jobs in growing sectors like life sciences/biotech, healthcare, and climate.
• Savor the Square
• Waterways

Products and services

• Roxbury Worx A workforce development program connecting Roxbury residents, especially hidden and middle-skills workers, to high-road jobs in growing sectors like life sciences/biotech, healthcare, and climate. Brings together a coalition of 18 Roxbury-serving organizations to build community awareness, reshape recruitment practices, align training resources, and create clear career pathways. Free to participants.
• Savor the Square A culturally inspired economic development and community engagement program supporting BIPOC micro-entrepreneurs through monthly themed events. The program provides vending opportunities for over 20 BIPOC micro-entrepreneurs per event, generates income, and builds community through shared cultural experiences. Held monthly from April through October at the Shaw-Roxbury Branch Boston Public Library plaza.
• Waterways A program connecting residents of Roxbury and Dorchester to Boston's 47-mile shoreline. Implements strategies to reduce community-identified barriers to waterfront access and to increase health, employment, and economic benefits. Includes public waterfront programs (sailing, kayaking), Waterways Ambassadors training, and advocacy for equitable waterfront development.
• Roxbury Worx Career Map An online career mapping tool to explore jobs and training opportunities in the Roxbury Worx Zone and beyond. Helps candidates of all experience or education levels identify pathways to jobs in life sciences/biotech, healthcare, and green/blue tech. Free public resource.
• Waterways Ambassadors Program A training program providing opportunities for highly engaged Waterways participants to advocate for the waterfront in their communities. Ambassadors receive training on the health benefits of blue spaces, Rights to the Waterfront, inclusive history, employment opportunities, and climate impacts.
• Roxbury Worx Conference An annual conference hosted by the Roxbury Worx coalition of 18 Roxbury-serving organizations at Roxbury Community College. Brings together neighbors, trainers/educators, policy makers, and employers for dialogue about access to careers in life sciences, healthcare, green/blue tech, and emerging industries. Attendance exceeds 250 participants annually.
• Greater Roxbury Book Fair An annual book fair dedicated to celebrating the literary talents of local authors. Connects books and readers in the Greater Roxbury community, creating a platform for Roxbury-based authors and storytellers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4,500+ participants engaged annually in Waterways program with 73.6% from Roxbury and Dorchester
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• City of BostoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner for workforce development, waterfront access advocacy, and economic development initiatives. Includes Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, Office of Economic Development, and Worker Empowerment.
• Boston Planning and Development AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on waterfront development planning, policy advocacy, and ensuring community perspectives are included in waterfront civic/cultural planning studies.
• Northeastern UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-op fellowship program bringing two Northeastern fellows annually (January-June, July-December) to work at TACC. Partners on Roxbury Worx workforce development initiative.
• Roxbury Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual Roxbury Worx Conference venue host. Educational partner in workforce development coalition connecting residents to career pathways.
• Boston Harbor NowcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaterfront partner collaborating on Harborwalk access, public programming, and advocacy for equitable waterfront development.
• Boston Waterfront PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Equity Rubric for Waterfront Development and study 'Strengthening the Urban Harbor' examining Designated Port Areas policy.
• Boston Public LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShaw-Roxbury Branch partnership hosting Savor the Square monthly markets on library plaza. Part of broader redevelopment efforts in Nubian Square.
• Roxbury Main StreetscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProactive partnership delivering Savor the Square program. Collaboration on economic development and micro-enterprise support.
• Conservation Law FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental advocacy partner for waterfront access, climate resilience, and policy work protecting community rights to public waterfront spaces.
• ICICmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative for a Competitive Inner City partner; former TACC intern now works at ICIC connecting workforce development ecosystem.
• LISC BostonmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Initiatives Support Corporation Boston partner in community and economic development work.
• SkillWorksmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce development partner in Roxbury Worx coalition supporting training alignment and career pathway development.
• Berklee College of MusicmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusic students and alumni perform at Savor the Square events, providing emerging artists exposure and connection to local audiences.
• LabCentral IgnitemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLife sciences ecosystem partner supporting workforce development and industry connections for Roxbury residents.
• MLSCmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMassachusetts Life Sciences Center partner supporting life sciences workforce initiatives connecting residents to biotech sector jobs.
• Piers Park Sailing CentermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaterfront partner providing sailing education and on-the-water activities for Waterways programming.
• Community Boating Inc.majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Sailing + Science event on Charles River Esplanade, providing sailing activities and facilities.
• Museum of SciencemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Waterways programming providing science education and waterfront exhibit access.
• Boston Children's MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily programming partner for community waterfront and cultural events.
• Mass AudubonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental education partner for waterfront and nature programming.
• Federal Reserve Bank of BostonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch and economic development partner supporting community economic analysis and policy work.
• Boston Housing AuthoritymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in housing and economic development initiatives including Whittier Choice Neighborhood Initiative.
• Madison Park Development CorporationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in aging in place initiatives and Nubian Square economic development.
• Dorchester BaymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity development partner for Dorchester economic and workforce initiatives.
• Metropolitan Area Planning CouncilmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional planning partner for waterfront access and economic development policy.
• MassDevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState finance agency partner for economic development initiatives.
• Goulston & StorrsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegal and advisory partner for community development work.
• SasakiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture and planning firm partner for waterfront and urban design initiatives.
• MASS Design GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture and health design firm partner for community health initiatives.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation: Dorchester-rooted CDC offering workforce, small-business, and real estate development services to the same populations TACC targets via Roxbury Worx and Savor the Square; listed as a TACC partner and one of the coalition members.
• Madison Park Development Corporation: Roxbury-based CDC providing workforce development, housing, and small-business support to the same Nubian Square community TACC serves; explicitly listed as a TACC partner, making it the most operationally comparable peer.
• Boston Harbor Now: Boston-based waterfront advocacy and access nonprofit partnering with TACC on Waterways; directly comparable in waterfront-equity programming and resident-engagement approach.
• LISC Boston: Local Initiatives Support Corporation affiliate funding and coordinating community/economic development in Boston's underserved neighborhoods; a current TACC partner and directly comparable in funding intermediary and capacity-building role.
• Roxbury Main Streets: Boston Main Streets district organization supporting Nubian Square small businesses and economic vitality; a TACC partner on Savor the Square with directly comparable micro-enterprise and commercial-corridor focus in the same geography.
• Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation: Boston-based community development nonprofit serving Roxbury/Dorchester residents with economic development, housing, and workforce programs; comparable mission and demographic focus.
• Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative: Boston-based community-led equity nonprofit focused on Roxbury/Dorchester residents through neighborhood planning, economic development, and workforce initiatives — directly comparable mission, geography, and community-organizing model.
• SkillWorks: Boston-area workforce intermediary coordinating employer-facing training partnerships in healthcare, life sciences, and green jobs; a current Roxbury Worx coalition member with directly comparable workforce-development focus.

Emerging players

• Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC): National nonprofit focused on economic development in inner-city urban areas through workforce and small-business initiatives; a current TACC partner with overlapping inner-city workforce and economic-development work.
• Conservation Law Foundation: New England-based environmental advocacy organization working on equitable waterfront access and climate resilience; listed TACC partner and overlapping with the Waterways program on environmental justice and waterfront policy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/tacc_boston
• Xx.com/tacc_boston
• Facebookfacebook.com/TACCBoston
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-american-city-coalition

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The American City Coalition