OCED's urban development efforts consists of the coordination of the redevelopment of specific community areas (Focus Areas) needing physical improvement. 

OCED prepares redevelopment plans with visual renderings for neighborhoods in distress and presents them to the community for approval. Usually, these plans require the acquisition of property, often vacant land or property with abandoned buildings or poor quality housing. The plans can include the demolition of blighted or abandoned structures, and infrastructure improvements such as water and sewer systems, drainage systems, sidewalks, street lights and landscaping.

Sometimes the properties to be acquired have residences and/or businesses.  OCED has relocation specialists who assist families to find equal or better homes with opportunities to become homeowners. Likewise, businesses receive assistance in finding equal or better locations in which to operate.

The acquired real estate properties are transferred to Community Development Corporations, nonprofit agencies and municipalities that develop homeownership housing and economic incubators that uplift the local community.