Finding ways to benefit current residents of low-income communities through neighborhood-scale investments has been the subject of government and non-profit attention for some time, and there are many resources available to assist local governments in this effort.
In recent years, more of these have focused on environmental aspects, such as energy conservation, especially where they reduce costs to residents.
Among others, the following strategies have proven successful:
- Community groups: Partnerships with community organizations, especially Community Development Corporations.
- Government groups: Partnerships with federal and state agencies, and use of their grant programs to fund improvements to public spaces, and development of affordable housing.
- Non-profit agencies: Programs run by national non-profits, such as Enterprise Community Partners, which provides incentives for green affordable housing and community-scale development.
- Lending institutions: Partnerships with lending institutions so borrowers can obtain Location-Efficient Mortgages, which allow a larger loan because they factor in the lower transportation costs where transit, walking, and cycling are viable options.
- Vacant properties: Strategies for dealing with vacant properties, such as those promoted by the Vacant Properties Campaign.
