History

20 years of helping neighborhoods move from survival to prosperity

In 1988, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation in New York was invited to establish Twin Cities LISC as one of 30 metropolitan field operation offices across the country.

Initially, we helped create affordable housing in poorer and disinvested urban neighborhoods. Housing is the first building block for family survival and stability, and community health.

Some years later, our work expanded to include economic and commercial development. We recognized that healthy neighborhoods provide not only safe shelter but also quality jobs, goods, and services. We began aiming beyond survival to prosperity.

Along the way, we’ve championed practices like affordable homeownership, supportive housing, mixed-use development, commercial corridor revitalization, and resident engagement, which have become hallmarks of success in the Twin Cities.

But to keep an area prosperous over time takes more than housing and commerce; it takes opportunities in education, healthcare, childcare, and social and environmental amenities. It takes a sense of connection among residents of all ages and cultures, and the chance for them to help determine the future of their community. That’s exactly the thrust of our Building Sustainable Communities demonstration, the next phase of our support for comprehensive community development.