Highlights from 1DROP’s Quarterly Member Meeting & Social
1DROP members and partners gathered to connect, reflect, and build momentum for what's ahead.
Last week, 1DROP members and partners gathered for our Quarterly Member Meeting—a space to align on priorities, reflect on our progress, and take clear steps forward. The gathering offered a grounded check-in on where we are as a community, where we’re heading, and what it’s going to take to keep growing a network of developers that’s collaborative, resourced, and built to last.
From new tools to shared priorities, the event reinforced a guiding belief: when underrepresented developers are supported, connected, and informed, they don’t just succeed individually—they shape the future of housing.
Returning to the "Why"
We began the meeting with a collective pause—a moment to revisit the shared norms and community values that have guided 1DROP since its founding. Rather than diving straight into updates, members took time to reconnect with the deeper vision behind the work.
The session invited reflection on 1DROP’s pledge, and how values like accountability, transparency, and respect shape how we collaborate—not just when things are easy, but especially when the stakes are high.
“We can build a culture that outlasts any individual project. That’s the real work—and the real opportunity.”
This grounding reminded us that systems change doesn’t come from tools alone—it comes from people showing up, listening, and doing the work together.
The Member Portal Has Landed
A major milestone of the meeting was the official launch of the 1DROP Member Portal. After a few weeks of building behind the scenes, members had their first chance to dive in, explore its features, and understand how it will support them in their development journey.
The 1DROP Member Portal is organized into four core areas:
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏽 Connect with Community
Stay close to your peers, mentors, and collaborators through the Member Directory, mentorship sign-ups, and a shared events calendar. You’ll also find regular updates and the latest news from across the 1DROP network.
💼 Find Opportunities
Explore a centralized hub for grants, loans, and (soon) land acquisition opportunities. Members can also discover job roles, co-development projects, and apprenticeship programs—all designed to help move projects forward.
🧰 Resources
Access a growing library of practical tools—services like bookkeeping and design support, ready-to-use templates, and directories for subcontractors, consultants, and suppliers. Members also benefit from shared platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud.
📣 Advocacy
Stay engaged with the policy landscape through up-to-date position statements, legislative alerts, and organizing resources. The portal offers press and social templates to support your voice and amplify collective action.
“If this isn’t making your work easier, we’re not doing it right.”
The Member Portal is still in Beta, and the team emphasized that member input will guide what features get built next—and what needs improving.
Collective Planning in Action
The afternoon shifted into focused collaboration with a Program Ideation and Prioritization session—a group process where members shared insights to help shape future programming. Together, they brainstormed around two central questions:
What matters most right now?
And what would make your member experience stronger?
From sticky notes to group discussion, members prioritized what needs to be built or improved first. These insights are already informing how 1DROP invests time, staff, and resources moving forward. The room held a sense of recognition—not just for achievements, but for effort, resilience, and the work it takes to keep going.
Members break out by topic to share ideas, compare notes, and set next steps.
What’s Next: Continuing the Work
The convening wrapped with a preview of what’s ahead. Members were invited to step into working committees, stay active in policy efforts, and join upcoming events—including a site visit to the Cliff Avril House, the HDC’s Annual Celebration of Affordable Housing and the Affordable Housing Week.
The leadership team also shared upcoming tools for grant season, updated project lists, and plans to grow the portal even further in the next development phase. We left with direction, not just discussion—tangible next steps and a stronger sense of where we’re headed together. As Dominique put it:
“We don’t need permission to build—we need alignment, data, and each other. That’s what moves the needle.”
Momentum isn't automatic. It’s built—intentionally, collectively, and one honest step at a time.
1DROP achieves its mission by, externally:
Championing funding for underrepresented developers and their projects.
Advocating for policy solutions that enable more housing.
And internally by providing:
Apprenticeships for aspiring underrepresented developers.
Co-development for emerging underrepresented developers.
Mentorship, networking, resources and support services for all underrepresented developers.
For those inspired to learn more or get involved in supporting equitable housing, visit 1DROP’s website to explore our initiatives and join us in making an impact.
Have questions or suggestions for this post?
We’re here to engage! For edits, feedback, or inquiries about this blog post, please reach out to press@1drop.co.