Commercial Revitalization

Urban Forum | Economic Development/Revitalization Award

The Atlas Performing Arts
Center, Washington, D.C.

Critical to the redevelopment of any community is the revival of its commercial corridors, the so-called "main streets" of groceries, drugstores, coffee shops, restaurants, barbershops, hardware stores and services that frequently act as a neighborhood pulse. To create that pulse, business owners, residents, politicians and police must organize around a common vision for neighborhood business revitalization. LISC’s Commercial Markets Advisory Service (CMAS) helps them do that.

The Commercial Markets Advisory Service supports LISC’s network of local offices and community-based organizations in the creation and implementation of market driven, comprehensive commercial revitalization strategies. CMAS staff and pre-qualified specialist/consultants provide training, technical assistance and additional resources to local LISC offices and commercial revitalization programs. Their areas of expertise include:

Composing comprehensive strategic plans;
Working alongside MetroEdge to formulate market analysis and assist in implementation;
Acting as a liaison to local LISC offices and their CDCs to attract desirable retailers, like supermarkets;
Training practioners in the fundamentals of real estate development; and
Utilizing the National Vacant Properties Campaign to support the reclamation of vacant properties.

Commercial Revitalization Planning
Commercial corridor managers, economic development officials, chambers of commerce, and BIDs can add the Commercial Markets Advisory Service's "Commercial Revitalization Planning Guide" to their revitalization toolkit.

To purchase the publication for $24.95, please go to www.lulu.com/cmas.