The second blog in our series highlights how LISC supports UN Sustainable Development Goal #8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth as part of our Impact Notes Social Bond Framework. Goal #8 is to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Access to quality jobs with room for advancement is essential for individual financial stability and wellbeing, and for the health of families and communities.

The UN estimated that pre-Covid some 783 million women and men were working, but not earning enough to lift themselves or their families out of poverty. Empowering people and supporting enterprises to contribute and take advantage of economic growth through quality jobs is foundational to LISC’s approach to comprehensive community development. LISC defines quality employment as jobs that are accessible for community residents – jobs that are close enough to home and schools that a long, expensive commute is not required. Quality jobs provide a living wage and family-supporting benefits and they offer a sustainable work environment with company stability, growth opportunities and a positive culture that promotes individual satisfaction.

LISC research illustrates how investments revitalizing industrial districts can have an extraordinary impact in creating good jobs, activating neighborhoods and sparking local economies.

Read the full article about investing in decent work by Anna Smukowski at LISC.