[영문]In this paper, I focus on the role of community development corporations(CDCs) in fostering public participation in the localpolitical process. Using survey and interview data gathered fromCDCs operating in the Mississippi Delta region of Arkansas, Ishow that the CDC is an important intermediary between the citizensand the local political arena. While, according to this study’sfindings, the CDCs’ long-term goal is to develop a lasting sense ofefficacy among CDC participants, leading to direct political participationby citizens, the nature of CDC funding does not fullysupport these efforts. As a result, these critical activities remainat the fringes of their official mission. By focusing on short-termoutcomes rather than long-term development process, the moneyspent to improve the CDC constituency’s capacity appears to missits target. The results of the current study 1) shed light on thedisconnect between the needs of CDCs and the objectives of fundingagencies; and 2) help community practitioners interested incommunity development to better understand challenges related toengaging citizens in local issues and facilitating citizen participationin ways that enhance collective efficacy in poor communities.