NEI seeks to become a catalyst for sustainable development in cities. We accomplish this mission by promoting best practice and information exchange among three constituencies - CDCs, private developers, and universities - as well as public policy networks. By sustainable development, we mean development that restores environmental quality and eliminates pollution and waste, provides direct, meaningful economic opportunities for all communities, and builds civic capacity to ensure a healthy future. We focus on places most in need of physical and economic revitalization, where residents have been disenfranchised by and alienated from the development system. Emphasizing collaboration and knowledge sharing among our targeted constituencies, NEI promotes development solutions that deliver positive economic, environmental, and social returns (the "Triple Bottom Line").