A program aiming to boost community development in Peoria officially launched Thursday at a block-party event.  The Local Initiative Support Corporation, or LISC, will help secure new market tax credits and other resources to improve areas on the Eats Bluff and the South Side.  The Caterpillar Foundation is investing $3 million to help LISC set up office in Peoria.  Foundation President Michelle Sullivan says LISC can leverage local dollars to improve neighborhoods and housing:

 

“Say we give a million, they can turn that into four to six million very easily, whether it’s through other monies they have access to or through government grants,” Sullivan says.

 

“They’ve already shown us some money that’s available that we never knew was out there.”

 

A 13-member advisory Board of local officials and community leaders will work with residents to help narrow down specific improvement projects.  LISC hopes to formally open an office in Peoria this fall.