Catalysts for Community Change
For over four decades, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has been a transformative force in the Washington, D.C., area, empowering underinvested communities and fostering innovative solutions to complex urban challenges. As Executive Director Ramon Jacobson eloquently puts it: “Our mission is to help people uncover and shape opportunities for them to better their neighborhoods for themselves and their families.”
Rooted in Community
LISC’s journey began in the late 1970s with support from major foundations like the Ford Foundation. Since opening its D.C. office in 1982, LISC has been dedicated to leveraging local knowledge and resources to drive community development. “Our first name is local,” emphasizes Ramon. “We’ve always endeavored to have this rooted local advisory board, raising local dollars and working with local philanthropies, corporations, and investors.”
This deep local engagement matches national resources, allowing LISC to offer significant financial and strategic support. With 37 offices across the country and various national programs, LISC’s impact is both broad and profound. In Washington, D.C., alone, LISC has invested $589 million to create or preserve nearly 16,000 affordable housing units and 3.7 million square feet of commercial and community space.
“We work with nonprofit organizations, residents, and community leaders to bring neighborhood ideas to life,” says Ramon. By investing in these local entities, LISC helps build the capacity needed to drive systemic change and create thriving communities.
LISC supports a wide range of projects, from small business development to creative placemaking. For instance, the organization’s efforts to promote arts and culture have significantly impacted communities like Historic Anacostia, now designated as Washington, D.C.’s Arts and Culture District. “Creative placemaking is about using arts and culture to celebrate and preserve community identity, foster collaboration, and envision a new future,” explains Ramon.
Innovative Solutions for Complex Challenges
LISC’s commitment to innovation is evident in its forward-thinking approach to community development. By treating affordable housing as a testing ground for new ideas, LISC is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in urban revitalization. Ramon explains: “Affordable housing is becoming a testing ground for many of these innovative ideas.” Projects like the net-zero affordable housing initiatives demonstrate LISC’s dedication to environmental sustainability, ensuring that these homes not only provide shelter but also contribute to a healthier planet.
Innovations in green building practices, such as incorporating solar power and battery storage, are transforming the way affordable housing is constructed and maintained, setting new standards for energy efficiency and sustainability.
A recent project in The Residences at Kenilworth Park exemplifies this approach. The new assisted living facility, designed to serve elderly African-American residents, combines state-of-the-art environmental sustainability with community-focused services. “This is probably the nicest and newest place any of the residents have ever lived in,” he notes. “It’s welcoming, embracing, and light-filled, with on-site services and a beautiful natural setting.”
Beyond housing, LISC’s innovative spirit extends to economic development and community empowerment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, LISC’s Rapid Relief and Recovery Fund exemplified its ability to adapt quickly to emerging needs. By providing grants and flexible loans to women- and BIPOC-owned small businesses and community-based organizations, LISC helped stabilize the most vulnerable sectors of the community. This adaptive approach ensures that LISC can respond to crises with agility, supporting local economies and fostering resilience.
Whether through creative placemaking initiatives or support for small businesses, LISC’s innovative strategies are building stronger, more vibrant communities across Washington, D.C., and beyond.
A Vision for the Future
As LISC looks to the future, the organization remains committed to its core values of flexibility, adaptability, and innovation. “There’s an adaptability, curiosity, and a sense of purpose and mission that continues to embrace new ideas,” Ramon observes. This forward-thinking approach ensures that LISC remains at the forefront of community development, ready to tackle new challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
LISC’s work is driven by a profound sense of purpose and a desire to make a lasting impact. Jacobson reflects on the organization’s enduring mission: “We’re still committed to doing this work, even after 42 years, in Washington D.C. and the surrounding region.” This unwavering commitment to community empowerment and innovation makes LISC a true catalyst for change.
Join the Movement
LISC’s success is built on collaboration and partnership. Whether you are a small business looking to expand, an artist seeking to engage with your community, a mission-driven investor, or a nonprofit leader eager to collaborate, LISC invites you to join the movement. “Let’s shape the future of D.C. neighborhoods and our region together,” Ramon urges.
In a city known for its political influence and historical significance, LISC stands out as a beacon of hope and progress. By harnessing the power of local initiatives and innovative solutions, LISC is helping to build a more equitable and vibrant future for all residents of Washington, D.C., and beyond.
