Policy & Research


To be effective at what we do requires having both an on-the-ground view of neighborhoods, and a panoramic take on all the forces that shape communities. It requires sensitivity to the needs and desires of residents and attention to how well our programs stick. And it requires seeing the big picture: pulling the lens back and working to shape the overarching government policies that help or hinder low-income communities.

Policy

Distressed communities need supportive public policies to assist them in rebuilding efforts. LISC Toledo maintains an active public policy presence at the federal, state and local levels. The objectives of LISC Toledo’s policy initiatives are established through careful collaboration with other LISC local offices across the county and LISC’s Public Policy Advisory Committee. LISC’s policy office assists Toledo’s local program office along with rural and urban CDCs with the advocacy process while working with other national and state organizations on wide-ranging community development issues.

Residents protesting against predatory lending outside the Ohio Auto Loan office.
Residents protesting against predatory lending outside the Ohio Auto Loan office.

As a national organization, LISC’s locally driven and partnership-based approach to policy attracts support from both ends of the political spectrum. Rural and urban policy makers alike recognize LISC’s well-documented success in building communities while leveraging substantial private capital. Additionally, LISC’s holistic approach to building communities attracts policy allies from the from business, social service, education, environmental, and community development sectors.

Research

LISC Research and Assessment aims to support revitalization of lower-income communities by conducting or commissioning research on the effectiveness and impacts of community and economic development policies, strategies and programs. In addition to studies on special topics of national concern, Research and Assessment directly supports development and implementation of community revitalization efforts though evaluation of LISC national and local programs. Much of the strength of LISC research rests upon its links to program staff in 30 urban offices and many other rural locations.

Learn more about LISC's policy and research work.

LISC Institute

LISC has a vast storehouse of knowledge and data about the most intelligent and effective ways of working to revitalize communities. We've innovated. We've learned from missteps. We've done it. But that expertise is all the more valuable when we share it with others who care about improving quality of life in disinvested places.

The LISC Institute for Comprehensive Community Development is designed to share knowledge and resources with LISC staff (at the national and local level), local agencies in our network and our industry colleagues doing the work of comprehensive community development.

The LISC Institute’s  website, trainings, and peer-to-peer support are tools that support practitioners and their partners in taking a holistic approach to helping impoverished neighborhoods. The LISC Institute offer case studies, templates, guidebooks and other resources that engage every facet of community development—from affordable housing and economic development to education, safety, health and arts and culture.