In cities across the U.S., rising commercial rents are threatening the viability of local, independently-owned businesses. Mom and pop shops are being priced out by national chains. Residential developers in search of a large-scale housing opportunity are pressuring the industry to relocate. A study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) ... Read More

The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is perhaps best known for its affordable housing programs or programs to help disadvantaged residents find safe, secure housing alternatives. These programs are critically important for our inner cities, as are HUD’s financing tools that help fill developers’ capital stacks when building new housing. Read More

Sometimes it feels as though there is nothing our policymakers in Washington can agree upon. But amid the discord affecting our nation’s capital is a glimmer of hope: Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Congressmen Pat Tiberi (R-OH) and Rob Kind (D-WI) have reintroduced legislation that would incentivize the private sector to make long-term investments aimed at improving distressed communities. Read More

Women and minorities are significantly less likely to start businesses than their peers. This is a problem for inner cities, where minorities make up more than two-thirds of the population. In other words, our inner cities are exactly where entrepreneurship is needed most. A number of organizations have launched initiatives aimed at increasing the number of women and minorities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Read More

Cleveland’s HealthLine is one of only five bus rapid transit (BRT) systems in the nation, and a remarkable example of how investment in BRT systems can be leveraged to revitalize surrounding areas. Read More