Local Initiatives Support
Corporation (LISC)
Philadelphia
Data & Resident Engagement: A
Fair and Balanced Approach to
Neighborhood Growth
Who We Are
Philadelphia LISC is a local office of LISC, a national non-profit
community development organization and CDFI, located in 30 cities
across the country. To date, LISC has invested $14 billon to revitalize
underserved neighborhoods.
We combine corporate, government and philanthropic resources
to help community-based organizations revitalize underserved
neighborhoods.
We are a catalyst for community change, working with partners to
strengthen neighborhoods and improve the lives of residents.
What We Do
Since 1980, Philadelphia LISC has invested $353
million to build or rehab 7,789 affordable homes
and apartments and develop 1.7 million square feet
of retail, community and educational space.
LISC invests its resources in a comprehensive
approach, “Sustainable Communities Initiative”
that creates great neighborhoods, strong families
and leaders, and powerful partners.
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Housing, Family Wealth and Income, Economic Development,
Education & Training, Healthy Environments, Arts & Culture,
Community Engagement and Leadership
Our Work in West Philadelphia
Since 2007 - Sustainable Communities Initiative
Convening Community Partners for
positive, resident-led neighborhood transformation,
known as “the Collaborative”
Community Development Organizations
Drexel University
Public Agencies
Civic Associations
LISC
Target Neighborhoods
 Proximity to Center City, job centers, cultural attractions, amenities of nearby
universities, major highways, access to transit service; and walkable streets.
 Historically suffered from disinvestment, higher rates of vacancy and blight,
deteriorating housing, increased concentrations of poverty, and weakened commercial
corridors
Two Plans – A Shared Priority
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Community-driven neighborhood plans:
1. The Mantua Transformation
Plan, Mt. Vernon Manor, Inc.
2. Make Your Mark, People’s
Emergency Center
Engaged residents in identifying
community needs and proposed
various strategies to create healthy,
vibrant and sustainable communities.
Rising Concerns: Market Pressure,
Changes in the Neighborhood, New
Investment, University Growth
Shared Priority : Protect Residents
from Displacement and Ensure that
Residents Benefit from Growth
A Plan For Equitable Development
- Protect Residents from Displacement - Ensure Residents Benefit from Growth (1) Understand the Market, Data Expert – The Reinvestment Fund
– Neighborhood trends and patterns
– Areas with greatest potential and need for reinvestment and/or
preservation.
(2) Engage Residents, Community Engagement Expert – Portfolio Associates
– Series of interactive meetings
– What is residents’ experience? Ideas of fairness and growth?
(3) Adopt Best Practices, Policy Expert -- May 8 Consulting
– Research & prioritize interventions based trends & community feedback
– focus on early actions and long-term
Neighborhood Trends
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University growth and expansion
Significant loss in population: from 1970 to 2010, lost 33% residents, compared to the city at 22%.
Income has generally remained flat; the average today is $19,149, 50% of the City average
Decline in African American residents
Increase in young adults, ages 18-24
Homeownerships rates are low. In 2010, the rate declined to 26%, while citywide rate was 54%.
High number of properties are tax delinquent, raising the risk that residents may lose their
properties.
Number of publicly-owned properties and subsidized rental developments are high, representing
50% of all the rental units compared to 21% citywide.
Resident Experience
 Rents are rising at a fast rate.
 Many homeowners are living in substandard
housing in need of repair and rehabilitation.
 Newly constructed housing options are not
diverse, with a strong focus on student
housing.
 Property taxes are not proportionate to
income levels.
 There is a continuous decline in African
American population and increase in student
population.
 The community does not benefit from new
investments.
 Jobs should pay a living wage.
Best Practice – Early Action
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Home Preservation Initiative:
A Work in Progress
Brings non-profit organizations
that provide resources &
services to homeowners
together to better serve
residents
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Many providers, similar
services
Coordinate, leverage efforts
and resources
Used data to help understand
service delivery
Goals:
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Low-income homeowners’
houses safer, healthier, and
more efficient
Improve the neighborhood’s
aging housing stock
Preserve affordable
homeownership
Beautify the block
Dana Hanchin, Deputy Director
dhanchin@lisc.org
Visit www.lisc.org/philly
“Like” Philadelphia LISC on Facebook
Follow @LISC_Philly on Twitter
718 Arch Street, Suite 500S
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-3801