What Is it?

Commercial Stabilization tools help communities build the economic strength of their neighborhood commercial district so that it is better equipped to both serve neighborhood residents' needs and withstand gentrification pressures.  With these tools, community organizations can play an ongoing role in the management of a commercial district to ensure it serves as a community asset.


Common Commercial Stabilization Elements

  • Targeted business assistance
  • Capital investment (streets and sidewalks)
  • Design guidelines
  • Business attraction
  • Facade improvement
  • Community controlled commercial development

These tools can be used together or independently.

Commercial stabilization:

  • Supports the growth of privately owned neighborhood businesses that benefit community residents and contribute to a positive cultural identity for the neighborhood;
  • Values growth of the business district as a means to support a stronger community rather than as an end in itself;
  • Builds upon the existing assets of the district by supporting the growth of existing businesses and cultural institutions; and
  • Recognizes that, while many businesses help the community, others hurt it either by contributing to social problems or contributing to gentrification.
This tool was developed in partnership with Rick Jacobus. Local Support Initiative Corporation (LISC). For more information on their services visit http://www.liscnet.org

All commercial stabilization requires communities to clearly identify what kind of business growth is desirable.  Effective initiatives are managed by strong organizations that coordinate a wide range of stakeholders.  They begin with inclusive neighborhood planning to create a shared vision of the commercial district and spell out what kinds of businesses residents want to see.  They then blend public and private resources to realize this community vision, which usually involves making dramatic physical and social improvements in the district while guarding against displacement of residents or small businesses. Long-term success requires a mechanism for community stakeholders to play an ongoing role in decisions that affect the quality and identity of the district.

Last Updated: July 2002