LISC Milwaukee (Local Initiatives Support Corporation)

Mission
LISC Milwaukee transforms distressed urban neighborhoods into healthy communities of choice and opportunity – –  great places to work, do business and raise children. LISC mobilizes corporate, government, and philanthropic resources on behalf of local neighborhoods, providing loans, grants and equity investments, policy support, and the technical and manage­ment assistance needed to achieve their goals.

Approach
LISC Milwaukee’s approach is to:
Activate national resources and investments to address local needs;
Catalyze early action projects that will have a positive cascading effect in neighborhoods;
Employ a toolkit of tactics designed for neighborhood practitioners;
Identify and support specific issues most critical to neighborhoods (safety, leadership, real estate, economic development, family wealth);
Build regional support and advocacy for central city development.

Strategy

Our strategy includes layered programs that support the development of healthy neighborhoods.

• Stimulate economic activity. Communities need vibrant local economies and business around them for retail services and jobs.
• Build and preserve the physical environment. LISC works with partners to create affordable housing, commercial space, and community facilities.
• Increase family income and wealth. Good jobs and financial self-reliance are critical for long-term prosperity.
• Create safe environments. LISC brings together law enforcement and residents toward mutual goals.
• Strengthen neighborhood capacity and leadership. LISC grows people and institutions to facilitate change.