The National Community Development Association initiated National Community Development Week in 1986 to remind Congress of the importance of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The Nebraska Community Development Week is sponsored by the University of Nebraska, Nebraska Community Development Society, Nebraska Rural Development Commission, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, US Department of Agriculture – Rural Development, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, First National Bank of Omaha, Nebraska Planning and Zoning Association, Lied Main Street, the City of Omaha, the City of Lincoln and other community development organizations.