By Mark Kudlowitz & Nicole Barcliff

The Farm Bill presents an opportunity to provide rural communities and people the resources they need to flourish. LISC’s Mark Kudlowitz and Nicole Barcliff examine where things stand in Congress and how the legislation can support the needs of families while also revitalizing communities that have long experienced capacity constraints that hinder community and economic development opportunities.

By Nicole Barcliff, Senior Policy Director

The fact that much of rural America is a “child care desert” has far-reaching implications for the families, children and care providers directly affected—but also for regional and national economic health and wellbeing. In other words, it impacts all of us. LISC’s Nicole Barcliff argues for ways the next USDA Farm Bill can nurture a humane and robust child care network across rural places through dedicated funding and technical assistance. All of which demands a critical shift in perspective.

By Nicole Barcliff, LISC Senior Policy Director

Why do families—especially families living on low incomes—continue to struggle to find safe, affordable, quality care? And why are child care systems poised to plunge into chaos when COVID resources expire? In an urgent appeal for sensible policy change, LISC’s Nicole Barcliff plumbs the roots of these critical issues and lays out what we must do address them before it’s too late.

By Nicole Barcliff

In a close look at federal opportunities to promote community safety, LISC’s Nicole Barcliff explains why it is vital for policymakers to help build the capacity of nonprofit and community-based organizations that can bring together residents, law enforcement and other local stakeholders to mitigate crime spikes and fuel safer, stronger neighborhoods.