Economic Development & Safety

A community isn't complete without places to shop and work, without clean, safe streets, without the vitality and optimism that thriving businesses represent. LISC helps CDCs develop retail and commercial facilities, train and place neighborhood residents in jobs, and organize anti-crime efforts, all of which are essential for healthy neighborhoods.

Commercial revitalization
The Commercial Markets Advisory Service (CMAS) formerly known as Center for Commercial Revitalization was established in 2006 to provide comprehensive economic and market development assistance and support to commercial districts and corridors, particularly in LISC local sites. CMAS features LISC MetroEdge, a powerful and unique market assessment tool developed by ShoreBank Advisory Services and refined by LISC. CMAS, through staff and nationally-recognized consultants with specialty skills in market analysis, strategic planning, real estate and other aspects of commercial revitalization, provides assistance to communities working to stimulate development and renewal of neighborhood commercial districts. CMAS works with eight Local LISC offices across the country to provide assistance to a multitude of commercial revitalization programs.
Community safety
LISC’s Community Safety Initiative (CSI) builds long-term partnerships among law enforcement, developers, and other key parties in troubled communities to reduce persistent crime, disorder and fear. In neighborhoods as diverse as Brooklyn’s East New York, Seattle’s Chinatown-International district, and Kansas City’s east side, CSI has been the catalyst for physical improvements and strategies that have reduced crime, increased public confidence and attracted new businesses.
Tax credits
LISC’s New Markets Support Company helps community organizations attract new businesses to underserved neighborhoods through use of federal New Markets Tax Credits. The credits are designed as incentives for investors to support projects in communities that have a demonstrated need for additional business development.
LISC MetroEdge
LISC MetroEdge is a retail market analysis package of products and services specially tailored for low-income communities. This package can be used to identify the untapped retail potential of neighborhoods or specific locations, and create the informational materials retailers, government agencies, and community groups need to promote business, employment, and shopping opportunities in emerging domestic markets.