110 likes | 123 Views
Learn how Philadelphia LISC promotes fair neighborhood growth through investments, planning, and resident engagement. Explore our work and initiatives for sustainable community development.
E N D
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
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 • Community-driven neighborhood plans: • The Mantua Transformation Plan, Mt. Vernon Manor, Inc. • 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 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 Home Preservation Initiative: A Work in Progress • 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
Dana Hanchin, Deputy Director dhanchin@lisc.org Visitwww.lisc.org/philly “Like” Philadelphia LISC on Facebook Follow @LISC_Philly on Twitter 718 Arch Street, Suite 500S Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 923-3801