2011 Highlights

Sustainable communities are good places to live. It is really that simple.

But in neighborhoods that have withered for decades, it can be hard to see a different future. LISC's strategy of Building Sustainable Communities provides the lens, and the roadmap, on how recovery can take shape. It is comprehensive; the strategy’s five broad goals underpin a range of projects and programs that together, change the outlook for disadvantaged places.

Once-blighted communities become safe and clean. They offer quality housing that is affordable to a range of families and incomes. They include good schools where families are eager to enroll their children, and grassy parks for them to gather, play and run.

They become sustainable communities with vibrant retail corridors that attract shoppers. They host neighborhood festivals, arts and entertainment programs and sporting events that bring together people from within the neighborhood and beyond. And they connect to the wider local economy, creating jobs, helping families build their incomes and assets, and stabilizing the tax base as they contribute to regional growth.

What We've Invested

  • $1.1 billion

    which has leveraged

  • $2.6 billion

    in total development

What We've Accomplished

  • 14,270

    affordable homes and apartments

  • 3 million

    square feet of retail and community space

  • 14

    schools financed for 6,500 students

  • 10

    child care facilities supported for 1,305 children

  • 13

    playing fields renovated for 39,000 kids

What We've Invested

  • $12 billion

    which has leveraged

  • $33.9 billion

    in total development

What We've Accomplished

  • 289,000

    affordable homes and apartments

  • 46 million

    square feet of retail and community space

  • 153

    schools financed for 56,700 students

  • 174

    child care facilities supported for 18,900 children

  • 254

    playing fields renovated for 460,000 kids

Goal 1

The Built Environment

The physical redevelopment of low-income neighborhoods, especially as regards housing, is so critical to their recovery. New construction and renovation efforts eliminate and clean-up vacant, deteriorated properties and create quality, affordable homes that root families to the community and connect them to each other. More...

Goal 2

Family Income & Assets

Low-income families need the capacity to build a better financial future if they are to truly improve their quality of life. Armed with the right tools, they can raise their standards of living. And in doing so, they can help build stronger sustainable communities. More...

Goal 3

Economic Vitality

By creating opportunities for retailers and service providers to set up shop, we help ensure residents can shop for the goods and services they need in their own neighborhood. Successful local businesses help forestall blight and crime, and they reinforce investments in housing and other development efforts. More...

Goal 4

Quality Education

LISC invests in public charter schools, affordable child care centers, out-of-school time programs and service learning that goes beyond the traditional classroom. We know disadvantaged communities cannot fully recover without access to a quality education for their children. Sustainable communities are one ripe with opportunity. More...

Goal 5

Health & Environment

Sustainable communities offer safe corner playgrounds for kids, lush walking paths for seniors and community police partnerships that reduce violence and create a sense of shared neighborhood interest. They are healthy places to live, work, do business and raise families. More...