Our History
National LISC: LISC was established at a time when access to private capital for America’s cities was limited, public services were substandard, and the outlook for lower income communities was bleak. The Ford Foundation and six corporations created LISC to provide financial and technical resources to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) dedicated to revitalizing their neighborhoods. Since then, LISC has worked nationwide to invest billions of dollars in the development of over 160,000 homes and over 25 million square feet of commercial and community space. These investments have leveraged many more billions of dollars in public and private support.
Duluth LISC: Duluth LISC was formed in April, 1997 with a geographic focus on the cities of Duluth, Hermantown, and Proctor. The program was initiated following a comprehensive assessment completed in 1996 which was funded by the Duluth Economic Development Authority, the Duluth Housing Trust Fund, First Bank, Minnesota Power, Norwest Bank, and SMDC Health System. The assessment indicated that there was a substantial percentage of the population living in poverty (16.6%), a shortage of decent, affordable housing, as well as a need for increased neighborhood revitalization and economic development activities. At the same time, it indicated the presence of three characteristics necessary for a successful program: 1) Public sector support for community development efforts; 2) A solid core of mature or nascent CDCs involved in community and neighborhood revitalization; and 3) Private sector commitment to help support these activities.
The initial start-up of the program included development of a nine-member Local Advisory Committee which included representatives of the corporate, foundation, municipal government, and social service sectors. In addition, Pam Kramer, former Manager of the City of Duluth’s Community Development and Housing Division, was hired as the Program Director.
The partnership with National LISC enables Duluth LISC to raise dollars from national sources, participate in national community policy debates, and learn of new and promising community development strategies. Duluth LISC has brought $7 into Duluth for every dollar raised.