PHILADELPHIA, PA — Michael Pugh, CEO of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), recently visited Philadelphia to meet with community leaders, development partners, and local officials. The multi-day visit highlighted LISC Philadelphia’s impact in the city and explored opportunities for future investments to address pressing community needs.
LISC Philadelphia, one of LISC’s longest-operating local chapters, has played a pivotal role in the city’s development since its establishment in 1980. Over the past 45 years, the organization has invested more than $695 million into Philadelphia communities, contributing to the construction of 9,710 affordable homes and 2.9 million square feet of commercial space.
“LISC’s footprint is evident across Philadelphia, from affordable housing to dynamic community spaces,” said Pugh. “Being on the ground allows us to see how past projects have transformed neighborhoods, how current initiatives are progressing, and how future plans can shape the city.”
During his visit, Pugh engaged in roundtable discussions with representatives from the business, real estate, banking, and nonprofit sectors, some of whom have collaborated with LISC Philadelphia for over three decades. These discussions focused on how LISC can continue to provide financial and technical support to meet the needs of local residents and overcome development barriers.
Pugh also toured several completed and ongoing projects that underscore LISC’s impact. These included mixed-income housing developments, senior housing, and public spaces like Trail Park and Willow Park. These initiatives have been made possible by partnerships with organizations such as HACE, which supports Philadelphia’s Latino community, and the Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM), which provides health and human services to the city.
“One of the key benefits of working within a national organization like LISC is the ability to collaborate closely with local communities to understand and address specific challenges,” said Andrew Frishkoff, Executive Director of LISC Philadelphia. “Dialogue with our CEO and local leaders allows us to align on strategies and priorities that benefit the city for years to come.”
Pugh also met with city officials, including Mayor Cherelle Parker, to discuss the administration’s H.O.M.E. initiative. This ambitious plan aims to create or preserve 30,000 affordable housing units in Philadelphia through collaboration between public, private, and nonprofit sectors. LISC’s focus on comprehensive and sustainable community development aligns closely with the goals of this initiative.
Established in 1980, LISC Philadelphia continues to work alongside local residents and partners to build inclusive and resilient communities. The organization’s longstanding commitment to equitable development ensures that Philadelphia remains a strong focus of its national efforts to foster liveable, vibrant neighborhoods.
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