LISC Phoenix

Tucson & Phoenix - Let’s Talk About the Pedestrian Safety Crisis Did you know that pedestrian deaths are a continued and growing epidemic nationwide, especially in underserved communities? It’s time to rethink our streets and work toward safer, more equitable solutions. Join the Arizona Partnership for Healthy Communities for an insightful event with Angie Schmitt, author of Right of Way, as we examine this crisis and how it intersects with race, class, and transportation justice. Phoenix Event: Thursday, November 14, 2024 | The Newton Tucson Event: Friday, November 15, 2024 | Dragoon Brewing Company 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Doors at 5:30 PM) Alongside Angie, local advocates Nicole R. from the Urban Phoenix Project and Emily Yetman of Living Streets Alliance will join us for a dynamic conversation moderated by our own David Longoria. In addition to this, a free bike valet will be available at the Phoenix event operated by Phoenix Spokes People. Let’s build momentum toward safer streets in Arizona! Free registration: https://lnkd.in/gv3js_iB

Last week we had a special visit from Ruth Jones Nichols, Ph.D., Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)'s new Executive Vice President for Local and National Programs. Around her responsibilities at the Financial Opportunity Center® national convening, we got to introduce her to a few of the folks who know our work and community best, join the conference tour of Mesa with Retail, Arts, Innovation, & Livability Community Development Corporation (RAIL CDC), see the impact of LISC investments in child care at Beautiful Oasis Childcare, and learn about Mayor Corey Woods' Hometown For All initiative with a personal tour.

Today President Biden was in Arizona to apologize for what he called “one of the most horrific chapters in American history…that the vast majority of Americans don’t even know about.” We are proud to have supported the work of Native American Connections and Phoenix Indian Center to bring the stories of Phoenix Indian School to our community. Engagement with survivors and community helped design the adaptive reuse of the original band building at what is now Steele Indian School Park to become a community event space, classroom and gallery. A commercial kitchen was built for Indigenous chefs and entrepreneurs to preserve Native foodways, which got significant use during the pandemic to prepare meals for elders. And importantly, a curriculum was developed to bring the history of the Phoenix Indian School to students around the state to break the silence around this dark time in American history. Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center: https://lnkd.in/gEZgKGMr Project story: https://lnkd.in/gMaqwg6x Project video: https://lnkd.in/g-uhuRnp Arizona Republic coverage of Biden visit: https://lnkd.in/gcE9ntN6

Know any small business leaders or owners? Tell them about this: All 12 Federal Reserve Banks are collecting responses to this year’s Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS) as part of our role in supporting a healthy economy. Every year, the Fed conducts this nationwide survey to gather insights on business and credit conditions. The findings from the SBCS are used by policymakers and service providers as they make decisions about policies and programs that affect small businesses. The annual 12-minute survey is open to for-profit businesses currently in operation, those recently closed, and those about to launch. By taking the survey, business leaders and owners contribute to data that directly inform the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others—a public good ultimately benefiting their businesses and others like theirs. The survey closes November 1, 2024. Don’t delay! https://bit.ly/4dMgGVm #SmallBiz #SmallBusinessCreditSurvey

A salty and sweet combo on the menu in Mesa at Que Chevere, who went from a food truck to a restaurant on Main Street with the help of Retail, Arts, Innovation, & Livability Community Development Corporation (RAIL CDC). It makes us wonder: are LISC Phoenix and RAIL CDC also a salty and sweet combo? Or are we just getting hungry? https://lnkd.in/g85qUFvN

We're excited to recognize two honorees at our 2024 Annual Breakfast & Community Awards on November 13: 🏆 Exemplary Project: The Abbey on Monroe 🏆 Exemplary Partner: Wells Fargo This week is your last chance to guarantee your seat at the event. Read about the honorees and get your tickets on our website: https://lnkd.in/eGU57Mz.

RAIL CDC has partnered with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Kiva Org to became a Kiva Trustee to help small businesses access capital if traditional lending is not an option. Kiva combines traditional friends and family investing with crowdfunding. It raises funds from local, national, and global small investors at 0%, with terms as long as three years. Matching funds are available. You can support small business with as little as $25. Learn the story of Nina, lend and please share. https://lnkd.in/gQGHZbdR

Unaffordable housing costs not only burden families with young children, but also create barriers for early educators to afford stable housing or operate their businesses, thus dampening child care supply in areas with high costs of living. To most effectively support families with young children and to build up child care supply, robust child care investments and a strategy to address high housing costs are essential. https://lnkd.in/gR8GtZex

I had the pleasure of attending another successful Financial Opportunity Center® Convening last week. We were both challenged and inspired by a powerful presentation on financial trauma by keynote Dr. Chloe B. McKenzie, MPA which was followed by a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Ruth Jones Nichols, Ph.D., Dr. Chloe, and Rob Lockett, MBA, CSM (featured in the photo next to me, from left to right). I extend my heartfelt thanks to our Financial Opportunity Center® network partners who provide essential services in career pathways, financial coaching, and income supports in neighborhoods across the nation, both urban and rural. Your work is vital to Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)'s national approach to economic opportunity programs. A special shoutout to our partners who contribute both funding and thought leadership to the network. Thank you to Lisa Price, Paige Carlson-Heim, and Cheryl Peterson for your active engagement on local (and rural) LISC community advisory councils, as well as for your outstanding presentations at the national convening. Congratulations to the entire LISC Income and Wealth Building Team, led by Katrin Sirje Kärk and Laura D'Alessandro. Thanks also to Terry Benelli and the LISC Phoenix team, along with our community partners Retail, Arts, Innovation, & Livability Community Development Corporation (RAIL CDC) and Arouet, for hosting the network and providing insightful site tours. See you all in Chicago in Fall 2025!

Important information as we develop HeatReady Neighborhood plans with first-hand experiences and stories of extreme heat survival combined with Indigenous wisdom. This research with our LISC Phoenix partner Retail, Arts, Innovation, & Livability Community Development Corporation (RAIL CDC) produced strategies for collective action against rising temperatures. This work can not be accomplished without the knowledge of place and an understanding of the families that live there. Madeline Fraser Cook Sam Ruark John Moon Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) David Hondula Raquel Gutierrez, Ph.D.