b'result 4 THE MISSION IS A STRONG AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY FOR LATINO RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES AND INSTITUTIONSWhat Do We Envision?Achievement of this result means that the Mission carries forth its historical legacy as an MEDA SAVED epicenter of social, cultural, economic and political life for Latinos in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Equitable approaches to housing and commercial development will ensure OUR BUSINESS.that Latino workers, families and small business owners can afford to live as well as make a good livelihood in the Mission, and that the neighborhood is a welcoming, supportive MEDA CLIENT place for new immigrants seeking to establish roots. Community-based organizations, local businesses and public agencies collaborate regularly to support civic engagement and cultural placekeeping in the Mission. As a result, Latino residents have not only the economic resources they need to thrive, but a sense of belonging.Why Does this Matter?For families to thrive financially, children to succeed in school and residents of all ages to have safe housing, communities need support systems that bring together local residents, businesses and organizations. This is especially important for the Mission, which is home to many Spanish-speaking and immigrant families and small businesses facing social isolation and barriers to public services. It is crucial that the Mission offers a solid, lasting foundation for the Latinos who live and work in our community, own businesses that cater to Latino families, and sustain the Missions cultural centers and service organizations.MEDAs RoleAs an anchor institution within the community, MEDA plays multiple key roles in advancing our vision for the Mission. Our programs serve workers and their families, while also helping local small business ownerswho employ community STEPS TO EQUITY members as well. MEDA works with individual families and businesses, as well n$ disbursed in small business loans as mobilizing at the community-wide level. One of our pillars is cultural n# small business loan clients placekeeping, which we define as working to preserve the communitys n# small businesses created longtime institutions and establishments through real estate development, n# jobs created by small business clients loan investment, technical assistance and advocacy efforts. Building a n# small businesses / jobs preserved neighborhood that supports workers, businesses and community post-pandemic organizations requires working at these multiple scales, fighting for progressive policies as well as promoting togetherness among community members.Context and BackgroundLike many historic urban communities of color, the Mission has been a centerpoint for gentrification in recent years. High-wage tech workers and luxury businesses have forced out many longtime residents, family-owned businesses and local institutions that made the Mission a Latino cultural center. The Latino families, workers and entrepreneurs who remain still face structural disparities in housing, employment and education, while also struggling with the higher costs of living that have resulted from gentrification. MEDA calls the Mission home, and we want to ensure that the families we serve can continue to call the neighborhood home as well.22MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY'