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Urban Economic Development Guide
A “How-To” guide for developing in urban areas
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The city of Indianapolis and LISC have jumpstarted a new commercial corridor revitalization program to stimulate
development of commercial retail in urban neighborhoods as part of the second stage of the FOCUS Initiative. Enhancing
the work accomplished in the initial phases, the three-year program will build on the groundwork to date and enable communities
to tackle the more difficult, higher impact initiatives. Further transformation of targeted commercial corridors from
“improving” locations into vibrant “destinations” will occur through creation of new business activity and
development opportunities. The program complements LISC's and its partners’ years of community development work
in urban neighborhoods, with involvement in housing development and retail development pilot projects.
The program will combine staff, business development, community organizing, targeted marketing, and
beautification projects to achieve results. Under the program, a work plan that outlines a strategy for implementation and
assigns roles to involved parties will guide activity for each corridor under a single vision. Additionally, an in-depth market
analysis will assist in directing corridor development, by identifying the potential for feasible retail development. Project
managers are slated to work on the corridors to execute the work plan and guide people to the resources available through the
program. Existing resources for urban commercial development, created by the FOCUS Initiative, will be combined with
technical assistance vouchers and a façade improvement rebate program to form the program resources.
The Commercial Corridor Program is focusing on the following five corridors:
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