The East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC) was created around the dream of buying and preserving a beautiful but deteriorated warehouse in Oakland's Chinatown. That warehouse became the Asian Resource Center, a multi-service center to house social services and businesses. The Asian Resource center is home to EBALDC, various nonprofit agencies, retail businesses, medical facilities, school district classes, and the Asian Resource Art Gallery.

Since 1975, EBALDC community development efforts have included development of: Over 1400 affordable apartments and townhouses in 17 developments, of which five are historic structures; 124 first-time homeownership units; and 250,000 square feet of space for community organizations, including space for nonprofit organizations, resident services, childcare and small businesses.

In 1999, EBALDC created the Neighborhood Economic Development (NED) Department. The NED Department is dedicated to empowering diverse low-income individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations by mobilizing resources and facilitating collaborations. The NED department includes the following program areas: Family Economic Success (FES), Resident Services and Community Planning and Organizing.

EBALDC is a certified Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and has won multiple awards for excellence in architectural design.