Policy and Advocacy
LISC NY promotes resources and government policies that will help New York eradicate the racial wealth gap, protect affordable housing for low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents, and build pathways of meaningful economic opportunity for all. Working alongside mission-driven organizations and other local champions, we share research, highlight best practices, and make policy recommendations before government stakeholders and other policymakers. Our policy and advocacy work centers around our three key pillars:
- Radical Healing that counters racial bias and inequity, including through community safety, creative placemaking, and arts initiatives
- Inclusive Economic Transformation that prioritizes human talent, community health, diverse enterprises, innovation, and public infrastructure
- Sustainable Wealth Generation in communities of color, including through ownership, asset building, and career ladders
Additional background information on several key programs can be found below:
Federal Advocacy
Federal resources are vital to New York. We coordinate with our federal policy team based in Washington D.C. to advocate for sustained funding and expansion of housing and tax credit programs that make equitable community development possible in New York. These resources are particularly urgent in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn that are disproportionately impacting the livelihoods and financial security of New Yorkers of color. To learn more about LISC’s policy work and response to COVID-19, please see LISC’s Policy Priorities here
Section 4 strengthens the nation’s lower-income rural and urban communities by bolstering non-profit community developers that build and invest there. It is the sole HUD program specifically designed to provide capital and other resources to non-profit CDCs, and is an important, unique and efficient program that leverages significant private capital using minimal federal dollars.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program
The Housing Credit is the single-most important federal resource available to support the development and rehabilitation of affordable housing, financing about 90% of all new affordable housing development.
New Markets incentivizes community development and economic growth through the use of tax credits that attract private investment to distressed communities. New Markets finances commercial development as opposed to residential.
LISC testimony and comments to Congress and federal agencies can be found here.
State & Local Advocacy
Investments from New York City and New York State are vital to addressing the needs of LISC NY’s community-based partners and the New Yorkers they serve. Working alongside local coalitions, we partner with multiple city and state agencies by sharing our expertise and policy recommendations towards the transformation to a more equitable and resilient New York. Our advocacy platform is centered on four areas:
- Nationally, millions are at risk of eviction due to the economic challenges brought on by COVID-19. New York is especially at risk, with disinvested communities bearing the brunt of evictions and housing costs. To prevent a wave of evictions, significant economic and legislative relief must be provided to tenants and landlords.
- Across the country, small businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19. In New York, businesses in low-income communities have been hit even harder. Government must provide financial relief so businesses can operate through and beyond the pandemic.
- As more of life in New York shifts online, too many of the most disinvested communities lack broadband internet access. LISC NY advocates for policies advancing digital access as a national right for all residents.
- Capacity Building for Nonprofits – In New York, nonprofits and community-based organizations are bearing the brunt of providing COVID-19 related relief in their communities. Investment in their future is necessary to ensure that these organizations can support communities in the long-term.