COALITION FOR A BETTER ACRE EARNS “EXEMPLARY” NATIONAL RATING FROM NEIGHBORWORKS AMERICA
Washington, DC / Lowell, MA — NeighborWorks America announced that the Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) has earned an “Exemplary” organizational health rating, the highest designation awarded through its national Organizational Health Tracking System (OHTS), following a comprehensive on-site assessment.
This distinction follows CBA’s most recent evaluation conducted through NeighborWorks America’s PROMPT® Program Review Process, a rigorous framework that measures organizational health, performance, and impact across six key areas: program services, financial management, governance, staffing, planning, and compliance systems. CBA has been a proud member of the NeighborWorks America network since 1996, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to advancing community development and expanding opportunities for Acre Neighborhood residents.
“Receiving an Exemplary rating is a powerful affirmation of our team’s dedication to strengthening the Acre Neighborhood and expanding opportunity in greater Lowell,” said Dan Rivera, CEO/Executive Director of the Coalition for a Better Acre. “It reflects not only our strong organizational performance under ever-changing, unprecedented times, but also our deep commitment to the residents we serve every day.”
CBA Board President Sixto DeJesus; Business Banking Officer, Assistant Vice President at Rockland Trust bank emphasized the importance of strong governance in achieving this recognition. “This honor reflects the strength of our board’s partnership with staff and our shared commitment to accountability, strategic growth, and community impact. We are proud to support an organization that continues to set a high standard for excellence.”
Jaime Alcantaro, President of the North Canal Tenant Council, highlighted the impact on residents. “This recognition shows that residents” voices truly matter and that CBA is delivering real results for our community. We see the impact every day in stronger neighborhoods, better housing, and more opportunities for families.”
CBA’s impact extends across the region, with over 1,100 residents living in 556 residential units across 18 buildings and sites in Lowell, Haverhill, and Dracut. Since 1982, the organization has invested more than $189 million in the development and preservation of affordable housing in these communities. As a responsible affordable housing and community developer, CBA is also among the top 10 taxpayers in the City of Lowell and pays property taxes in all the communities where it owns and develops property.
It’s important to note that CBA partners with Maloney Properties, a professional property management firm, to support the day-to-day operations of its housing portfolio. Through this partnership, Maloney Properties provides property management services including leasing, maintenance, compliance, and
resident services coordination, helping to ensure high-quality housing operations and a positive living experience for residents across CBA’s properties and shares in the honor of this recognition.
NeighborWorks America conducts these reviews approximately every three years, supplemented by annual off-site assessments, to ensure that network organizations meet high standards of accountability, sustainability, and community impact. Organizations are evaluated on their ability to deliver effective programs, maintain strong financial health, uphold sound governance practices, and plan strategically for long-term success.
To achieve an Exemplary rating, organizations must exceed performance standards in core operational areas—including program delivery, resource and financial management, and organizational governance—while meeting or surpassing expectations across all other dimensions.
“This recognition highlights CBA’s role as a leader within the NeighborWorks network,” said NeighborWorks America, in a formal notification letter. “Their performance demonstrates excellence in strengthening communities and transforming lives.”
The PROMPT review process emphasizes collaboration between NeighborWorks America and its network members, engaging board and staff leadership in a multi-phase assessment that includes planning, discovery, on-site evaluation, and follow-up reporting. The process is designed not only to ensure accountability but also to support continuous improvement and innovation.
About Coalition for a Better Acre – The Coalition for a Better Acre is a community development corporation based in Lowell, Massachusetts, dedicated to creating vibrant neighborhoods through affordable housing, economic development, and resident empowerment.
About North Canal Tenant Council – The North Canal Tenant Council is a democratically organized, resident-led body representing tenants in the North Canal neighborhood. The Council works to promote resident participation, protect tenant rights, and foster a strong sense of community through advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration with property management and community partners. Through regular meetings, elected leadership, and ongoing engagement, the Council ensures that residents have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their housing and quality of life.
About NeighborWorks America - NeighborWorks America is a national nonprofit organization that supports a network of community development organizations working to provide affordable housing, financial capability, and community-building initiatives across the United States.
Media Contact: Dan Rivera
Coalition for a Better Acre [email protected]/978-985-5143