News & Views The future of CDFIs will shape the future of affordable housing March 30, 2026 When we talk about the future of community development financial institutions (CDFIs), we are really talking about the future of who gets to participate in our economy. CDFIs are often described as niche lenders or mission-driven intermediaries. In reality, they are foundational financial connective tissue between capital and historically overlooked…
News & Views Q&A: What shifting federal priorities, capital gaps mean for affordable housing lenders March 30, 2026 As the community development finance field looks ahead, housing lenders are navigating a period of both uncertainty and opportunity. Sarah Brundage, president and CEO of the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders (NAAHL), works at the intersection of policy, capital markets and the mission-driven lenders responsible for much of the nation’s affordable…
News & Views Q&A: The future of affordable housing financing and the role of CDFIs March 30, 2026 As the community development finance field looks toward its next chapter, housing-focused community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are confronting new questions about scale, efficiency, and how best to support the next generation of developers. Melinda Clemons, vice president at Enterprise Community Partners, brings a perspective shaped by years of work…
News & Views Kresge invests $9M to advance affordable housing pipeline in Detroit and Fresno March 26, 2026 New investments support homebuyers, mission-driven developers and community lenders at pivotal moments The Kresge Foundation has committed $9 million in program-related investments (PRIs) to strengthen housing and homeownership opportunities in Detroit and Fresno, supporting mission-driven partners working to expand access to affordable housing, stabilize neighborhoods and build generational wealth. “Homeownership…
News & Views Local finance goes green as Finance New Orleans promotes climate resilience, stabilizes communities March 25, 2026
News & Views Rapson: Ten years of proving that water, climate and equity belong in the same conversation March 25, 2026 This commentary is adapted from Kresge President & CEO Rip Rapson’s remarks at the 2026 Climate Resilient and Equitable Water Systems (CREWS) initiative convening in New Orleans this week. For the ten-year anniversary of the CREWS initiative, Kresge’s Environment Program brought together more than 100 people from community organizations, governmental…