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For Immediate Release Contact:
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Mayor Verner and Councilman Allen Join Impact Capital and SNAP to Launch Vibrant Communities in Spokane
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SPOKANE, WA - MAY 5, 2009 - Spokane Mayor Mary Verner and City Councilman Michael Allen joined Impact Capital and Snap to announce the new International District in Spokane as part of the Impact Capital Vibrant Communities program. Community leaders, neighborhood stakeholders, government officials, and media representatives attended to celebrate the launch of this community revitalization program which aims to reinvigorate the East Central neighborhood over several years.
"This is about partnerships," said Heyward Watson, CEO of Impact Capital. Impact Capital is a Community Development Financial Institution that provides unique lending tools and community building programs throughout 94% of the counties in Washington. Mr. Watson  emphasized how important it is to collaborate with community stakeholders, city governments, and local businesses to succeed in the new Vibrant Communities Spokane International District. "Our programs and expertise have been put to the test in communities around Washington and have proven to be successful in turning distressed neighborhoods into vibrant ones- where people are proud to live, work, and raise families."
Mayor Mary Verner, who has supported this project since its inception, talked about the positive impact targeted community investment has on neighborhoods in Spokane. City Councilman Michael Allen also spoke about his support for revitalization efforts and applauded Impact Capital and SNAP for their dedication to the new International District.
"SNAP is very excited to be teamed with Impact Capital, the City of Spokane and the neighborhood to  revitalize this important part of our city," said Larry Stuckart, the Executive Director of SNAP, the lead agency chosen for the Vibrant Communities program. "With the resources available, we look forward to tangible results to improve and expand the International District."
Impact Capital chose the East Central Neighborhood in part because of the local businesses; such as the Bay Market which provided the location for the press conference and some snacks for the reception. "People travel from several neighboring cities and states to the Bay Market to purchase Asian grocery products and specialty items. They supply most of the Asian restaurants in Eastern Washington and have been a huge supporter of creating an International District in this neighborhood," said Terri Symbol, an Impact Capital program officer based in Spokane who will oversee much of the Vibrant Communities initiative in the East Central Neighborhood.
After the press conference concluded, speakers and attendees enjoyed a reception at One World Cafe, an organic community-centered restaurant. One World owners are expanding and will be opening a new community garden where local residents can plant fresh vegetables and herbs. After enjoying refreshments, Impact Capital and SNAP led guided walking tours of the neighborhood to showcase commercial and residential properties ready for renovation, rehabilitation, and purchase.
 The program will enable SNAP to work with local partners on the ground to ensure that action items from neighborhood revitalization plan created by area residents and stakeholders are completed on time. Impact Capital, an affiliate of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation ("LISC"), will provide targeted investments, training, and other resources to support the lead agency and local partners. Impact Capital works to build capacity of the lead agency and local partners over the course of several years so that the transformation can be sustained locally. "Our goal is to build capacity for community development within our lead agency, SNAP, and the neighborhood stakeholders," said Tracy Reich, Senior Program Officer at Impact Capital, "so that the work continues long into the future."
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Impact Capital's mission is to make strategic capital investments in nonprofit community development and affordable housing organizations in ways that enhance and sustain their ability to positively impact the quality of life in communities throughout Washington.
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