Our Mission
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is one of the nation’s largest and most impactful community development organizations, dedicated to building resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America—places where people can live, work, do business, and raise families. Since our founding in 1979, LISC has invested over $29.7 billion in projects that revitalize neighborhoods, improve economic prospects, and deliver resources to historically underserved areas. These investments have leveraged an additional $82 billion in development, fueling economic activity in urban and rural communities across nearly every state.
LISC operates through a network of 38 local offices, each tailored to the specific needs and opportunities of the communities they serve. In 2021, we relaunched our Puget Sound office to address the region's growing housing crisis and the widening economic inequities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our office is committed to advancing housing, economic, and racial justice in the Puget Sound region, focusing on creating vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Guided by LISC’s national values and mission, our work in Puget Sound emphasizes community empowerment, equitable development, and sustainable change. We focus on addressing systemic inequities by providing access to capital, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships that drive positive outcomes for marginalized communities. Our efforts integrate housing development, economic growth, and community revitalization to build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.
Overview of Programs and Services Offered by LISC Puget Sound
LISC Puget Sound offers a comprehensive range of programs and services designed to meet the specific needs of the communities we serve. Our work addresses both immediate challenges and long-term structural inequities impacting low-income and marginalized populations.
Affordable Housing Development: We provide financing and technical assistance to nonprofit developers, community-based organizations, and emerging developers to create and preserve affordable housing, ensuring low-income families have access to safe, quality homes.
Economic Development and Wealth Building: We support economic growth and wealth-building opportunities, particularly for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Our programs empower small businesses, create jobs, and build the capacity of local entrepreneurs.
Community Development and Placemaking: We invest in community-driven projects that enhance physical environments, celebrate cultural assets, and build social cohesion, strengthening neighborhoods across the region.
Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: We offer targeted support to community organizations, helping them build capacity and achieve their missions through technical assistance in areas such as organizational management and financial planning.
Workforce Development and Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs): To combat economic disparities, we operate FOCs that provide integrated services in financial coaching, employment placement, and income support. Our workforce development programs connect residents with quality jobs, improve financial stability, and build long-term economic security.
Photo credit to Bemnet Tade, Plots 'n Pixels Productions