Here is a good example of collaborating for strategic purposes. In 2003 seven leading, diverse organizations— the Boston Society of Architects, the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, the Conservation Law Foundation, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, the Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston, the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council—joined forces to integrate their separate efforts in policy, planning, and practical action. Their combined mission is “to encourage development and environmental preservation that offers all Commonwealth residents choices, prosperity, opportunity and environmental health, in well- designed communities.” MSGA promotes affordable housing, economic and workforce development, transportation options, social equity, and environmental protection. By collaborating, each organization gains diverse technical expertise at much lower cost than hiring outside consultants. The Alliance first held regional meetings with 200 civic leaders statewide, to identify and prioritize the major growth and development challenges facing Massachusetts. By building broad advocacy coalitions around specific issues, MSGA has catalyzed $30 million for transit support, $30 million for cleaning-up brownfields (previously- developed parcels); extension and reform of the brownfields tax credit for Community Development Corporations; and a higher cap on historic renovation tax credits. Their efforts produce thousands of homes and hundreds of jobs, and you can support them.