CBLC Staff
CBLC and the Partnership envision the most important legal work of the community benefits movement being carried out by a national network of public-interest attorneys. Only through development of local expertise can diverse local campaigns get the legal help they need. CBLC maintains a small staff within the Partnership to help build this network and advance innovative legal tools and strategies.
Julian Gross is the Director of CBLC. Julian has represented coalitions of community-based organizations in negotiation of many ground-breaking community benefits agreements. He has also drafted numerous local hiring and contracting policies, and has worked on living wage policies and many other community economic development initiatives.
Ben Beach is a Staff Attorney with the CBLC. Ben has negotiated community benefits agreements, winning inclusion affordable housing, local hiring, and living wage requirements. He has also worked on strengthening local redevelopment and planning policy to encourage affordable housing development and local hiring for construction jobs.
CBLC also works closely with various attorneys around the country, collaborating with local counsel and bringing in specialized expertise where appropriate.