The Houston Coalition for Equitable Development without Displacement's goal is to develop, secure, enforce, and sustain a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with Rice Management Company as they develop the South Main Innovation District at the edge of Third Ward.

A CBA is a "project-specific contract between developers or cities and community coalitions. CBAs are legally binding, enforceable agreements that call for a range of benefits to be produced by the development project. They allow community groups to have a voice in shaping a project, to press for community benefits that are tailored to their particular needs, and to enforce developer's promises." (Source: Dr. Jeffrey Lowe, East Biloxi Community Benefits Report)

As the South Main Innovation District helps to usher in a new era in Houston's economy, HCEDD envisions an Innovation District that benefits Third Ward and communities of color through historic and cultural preservation, housing, jobs, businesses, innovation, education, and food security. These topics are are drawn from the Third Ward Complete Communities Action Plan, the Third Ward Comprehensive Needs Assessment Data Report, and HCEDD community meetings.