How Certification Works

Just Communities Certified is designed for community-based developers, cities, community-based organizations, and anchor institutions dedicated to building new models of equitable and regenerative development projects.  A community of any size is eligible to become certified, including existing neighborhoods, brownfield redevelopments, business districts, campuses (new and existing), industrial parks, and special purpose districts. Certification is awarded when a community successfully achieves the requirements listed below, with a focus on meeting key milestones and actions found in the Just Communities Protocol. 

Registration

Certification starts with registering a community project in the Just Communities registry. The registration process includes setting up a public project profile, paying the registration fee, and signing the Just Communities Certified Agreement.

Formation

Within two years of registration, communities must submit a completed groundwork assessment to PSE for Formation endorsement. This phase must be endorsed prior to, or in parallel with the Certification phase.

Certification

Within one year of the Formation endorsement, communities submit their governance structure and comprehensive roadmap that details the work plan and targets. Completing this phase helps a community achieve Just Communities Certified status.

Renewal

Within one year of the Formation endorsement, communities submit their governance structure and comprehensive roadmap that details the work plan and targets. Completing this phase helps a community achieve Just Communities Certified status.

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