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. Housing, Family Wealth and Income, Economic Development, Education & Training, Healthy Environments, Arts & Culture, Community Engagement and Leadership

Since 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 Our Work in West Philadelphia

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 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  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  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 Brings non-profit organizations that provide resources & services to homeowners together to better serve residents –Many providers, similar services –Coordinate, leverage efforts and resources –Used data to help understand service delivery Goals: –Low-income homeowners’ houses safer, healthier, and more efficient –Improve the neighborhood’s aging housing stock –Preserve affordable homeownership –Beautify the block Home Preservation Initiative: A Work in Progress

Dana Hanchin, Deputy Director Visit “Like” Philadelphia LISC on Facebook on Twitter 718 Arch Street, Suite 500S Philadelphia, PA (215)