National Summit Agenda

Development Finance Agencies participating in the newly launched CDFA EC-Tech (Equitable Capital Technology) Initiative and CDFA Minority Capital Loan Guarantee Program will gather for an official kick-off and onboarding workshop.

This is a private event.

• Katie Kramer, Executive Director, Ohio Statewide Development Corporation
• Ariel Miller, Senior Director, Research & Technical Assistance, Council of Development Finance Agencies
• Leopoldo Peña, Co-Founder, Presta

The Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance Course is the foundation for all of CDFA’s educational offerings. This course will help attendees understand the variety of development finance tools available including bonds, tax credits, tax increment financing (TIF), federal financing programs, RLFs, Opportunity Zones, and access to capital lending resources. This is an extra fee event.

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• The Local Crowd

• Toby Rittner, President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies

States, U.S. Territories, Tribal Governments, and Washington, D.C. have now submitted to the U.S. Department of the Treasury proposed strategies for deploying nearly $10 billion in funding through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). During this meeting, speakers will discuss the current state of the SSBCI Program, share insights on how SSBCI capital is being used to fund small business financing and technical assistance programs, and talk about what small business stakeholders need to know as the program is implemented. This is a members only event.

• B:Side Fund

• Rachel Reilly, Senior Advisor, Council of Development Finance Agencies
• Mitchell Smith, Director, Government & External Affairs, Council of Development Finance Agencies

• Marie Peters, Fund Director, B: Side Capital & B: Side Fund
• Selena Skorman, Director of Entrepreneurship Policy and Partnerships, gener8tor
• Jeff Stout, Director, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Participants in the Growing Diverse Housing Developers Fellowship are invited to join Raza Development Fund and CDFA for an exclusive pre-Summit session. This time will include remarks from a keynote speaker, networking time with the Fellows, and a group dinner to follow.

This is a private event.

• Ariel Miller, Senior Director, Research & Technical Assistance, Council of Development Finance Agencies

• Steve Johnson, Director, Community Development, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority

Kick-start your National Development Finance Summit by meeting with fellow new members and first time attendees to maximize your conference experience. Network with some of CDFA’s Development Certified Finance Professionals, staff members, and long-time attendees to start making lasting connections. We want to ensure you have a seamless and successful experience at the Summit.

• American Lending Center

In keeping with CDFA tradition, the 2022 National Development Finance Summit will kick-off with some great food, tasty drinks, and exciting entertainment at the beautiful Westin Denver Downtown. Join your fellow CDFA friends and colleagues in a casual and festive National Summit atmosphere as we commemorate being back together in-person.

Join CDFA and this year's Presenting Sponsor, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, as we kick off the 2022 National Development Finance Summit. This welcome will also include a presentation from members of the 2022 Caren S. Franzini Fellowship, which recognizes outstanding women in development finance for their leadership and dedication to the advancement of the industry.

Each year, the Franzini Fellows collaborate on a project of significance to the development finance industry. This year’s capstone looks at the health and economic crisis of 2020 and how the development finance industry deployed resources, especially from the CARES Act. By examining financial data and our lived experiences, we aim to understand how our industry changed as a result.

• Erin Baca, Alaska SSBCI Equity Fund Director, Alaska Small Business Development Center
• Magarita Jules, SBA Business Development Officer, First Bank and Trust
• Jennifer Litwak, Executive Director, Housing on Merit
• Toby Rittner, President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies
• Ellen Roth, Executive Administrator, NASDA - National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
• Marina Scarth, Senior Credit Underwriter, New Jersey Economic Development Authority
• Cris White, Executive Director and CEO, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority

It has been almost three years since the outbreak of COVID-19 and the crisis has changed the economy significantly. Bonds, as the bedrock of public development finance, serve as the primary source for financing most community projects. During this session, hear experts discuss how the ongoing pandemic has affected the municipal bond market and analyze the challenges and opportunities facing a fluctuating bond market. Together, we will look at the future of bond financing and how investors and communities can make the most of the capital markets.

• Antonio Portuondo, Managing Director, The Bank of New York Mellon

• Lori Sallaz, Manager, Bond Finance Programs, Development Finance Authority of Summit County
• Lynda Templen, Senior Counsel, Husch Blackwell LLP
• John Wooten, Head of Municipal Placements, Wells Fargo Securities

What’s the latest in New Market Tax Credits (NMTC)? Conversation will include different project types that have successfully used NMTCs, along with ways to structure deals with NMTCs and other forms of capital. Bring your questions and get ready to learn about this catalytic financing tool.

• David Clower, Executive Vice President, Raza Development Fund, Inc.

• Katie Frattaroli, Director of Business Development, AMCREF Community Capital, LLC
• Susan Seagren, President, AMCREF Community Capital, LLC

More capital than ever before has been allocated to support tribal-based projects and small businesses, both those located on tribal land and those owned by Native Americans. Developing an understanding of tribal business practices and engaging with trusted partners is critical to successfully deploying capital. This session will feature insights on preserving and growing tribal communities by unlocking development finance tools.

• Dakota Cole, Secretary of Treasury, Chickasaw Nation

• Sue Taylor, Development Director, Native American Development Corporation
• Shannon Ward, Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, Native American Bank

In partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the CDFA Minority Capital Loan Guarantee Program is a new initiative to help development finance agencies improve their lending to underserved borrowers through dynamic technical assistance services and game-changing guarantee support. During this session, hear from the leaders who built this program as well as some of the pilot communities participating in the launch. Learn how this program will grow over time and how development finance agencies can engage in the future.

• Katie Kramer, Executive Director, Ohio Statewide Development Corporation

• Kip Wahlers, Partner, Ice Miller LLP

Demand for local food continues to grow, but food supply chain bottlenecks inhibit market opportunities for food system actors across the country. Meanwhile, a global pandemic has brought to light the fragility of the U.S. food system as slaughterhouses and processing facilities struggle with supply chain dynamics. Investment in innovative technology and physical food systems infrastructure - like processing, aggregation, and distribution facilities - is essential to increase capacity in local food economies. During this session, we will highlight financing opportunities for reinvesting in local food and supporting innovative infrastructure.

• Angela Blatt, Director, Research & Technical Assistance, Council of Development Finance Agencies

• Alexandria Coari, Vice President, Capital, Innovation, & Engagement, ReFED
• Brian Coppom, Colorado Agricultural Future Loans Program Manager, Colorado Department of Agriculture
• Richard K Frampton, Retired/Illinois Finance Authority

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has set the United States on a course to become more sustainable and resilient via clean energy investment. Green financing tools, like Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and green bonds, are among the economic development tools that can work alongside IIJA funding to advance clean-energy goals. During this session, experts will discuss a variety of green financing tools and how they can be used to fund sustainable projects.

• Kevin White, Partner, Butler Snow LLP

• Duanne Andrade, CEO/CFO, Solar and Energy Loan Fund
• Caleb Bell, Attorney, Bricker Graydon
• Douglas Lamb, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP

Join us for a keynote speech from the CDFA National Development Finance Presenting Sponsor, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA). Jamie Gomez, Chief Operating Officer at CHFA, will be sharing insights about their organizational philosophies and approach to impacting communities across the state. This presentation will accompany lunch.

• Community Reinvestment Fund, USA

• Frank Altman, CEO, Community Reinvestment Fund, Inc.
• Darla Garrett, Director, Maryland Department of Commerce
• Jamie Gomez, Chief Operating Officer, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
• Toby Rittner, President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies

Many states have legalized recreational cannabis, and even more have legalized medicinal cannabis. As the list of states embracing recreational cannabis expands, there is an ever-increasing need for equitable financing programs. During this session, expert panelists will spotlight how revenue generated from the legalization of cannabis is being used to create innovative programs at both the state and local levels and best practices for structuring cannabis financing deals.

• Andy Struckhoff, President, PGAV Planners, LLC

• Chris Parrington, Partner, Zuber Lawler LLP
• Shanita Penny, Senior Vice President, Forbes-Tate Partners
• Tristan Watkins, Program Manager, OEDIT Cannabis Business Office

Tax Increment Finance has historically been used by communities throughout the country to channel funding toward improvements in distressed or underdeveloped areas where development would not otherwise occur, but not all TIF deals are created equal. In communities across the country, TIF is being used in conjunction with special assessments to spur some of the country’s most impactful redevelopment projects. Join us for this session to learn creative approaches to utilizing TIF and special assessments and ways they are catalyzing redevelopment projects around the country.

• Frances Kern Mennone, Managing Director, FBT Project Finance Advisors LLC

• Caren Kay AICP, Vice President, SB Friedman Development Advisors
• Emily Metzler, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, MuniCap, Inc.
• Kenneth Neighbors, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP

Revolving Loan Funds offer an essential source of affordable capital for small businesses, yet effective management approaches are necessary for an RLF to reach its full potential. This session will identify key aspects of RLF management that improve efficiency and allow loan funds to focus more of their time on achieving impactful outcomes. Speakers will discuss options and best practices for borrower intake, evaluation, decision-making, servicing, and other aspects of loan fund management.

• John Saris, Finance Manager, Business Oregon

• Michelle Beecher, Loan Officer, Rural Nevada Development Corporation
• Steve Boice, Manager - Business Finance, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
• Ken Pearson, Loan Fund Manager, Northwest Regional Planning Commission
• Marie Peters, Fund Director, B: Side Capital & B: Side Fund

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is coming up on its one-year anniversary and has sent ripples of hope to America’s aging infrastructure. This funding invests in various areas such as roads, bridges, power and grid, passenger and freight rail, and broadband. With more detailed implementing guidelines available for new programs, communities are closer to securing funding and engaging in transformational projects. In this session, experts will walk attendees through the process of preparing for and financing their infrastructure projects.

• Frederic Marienthal, Partner, Kutak Rock LLP

• Andrew Kleine, Senior Director, Government & Public Sector, EY-Parthenon
• David M Camerucci, Manager, EY
• Jason McGaugh, Chief Capital Officer, Sustainability Partners LLC
• Emily Metzler, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, MuniCap, Inc.

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) encourages state and local governments to serve the hardest-to-reach small businesses in their communities. In response, SSBCI leaders have crafted financing and technical assistance programs tailored to address gaps in capital availability and meet the unique needs of historically disadvantaged small business owners and micro-enterprises. During this session, speakers will describe the innovative approaches they are taking to expand access to capital for small businesses and share insights on replicating these strategies.

• Keith Rachey, Executive Vice President, Chief Impact and Strategy Officer, Community Reinvestment Fund, Inc.
• Rachel Reilly, Senior Advisor, Council of Development Finance Agencies

• Ann Finnegan, President, NDC Community Impact Loan Fund, National Development Council
• Robert Heard, Managing Director, Development Capital Networks
• Krystal Langholz, Director, Strategy, Calvert Impact Capital
• Jack Moriarty, Executive Director, Ownership America
• Selena Skorman, Director of Entrepreneurship Policy and Partnerships, gener8tor
• Keith Swenson, Deputy Assistant Director, Washington State Department of Commerce

It’s wild out there! Trying to get a bond priced in today’s market and fully seeing a transaction through to completion has been difficult for many projects and communities. Join us for a discussion about solutions and approaches that have been working despite challenges. During this session, experts will evaluate the complex process of structuring deals, how to engage investors, and the latest problem-solving techniques. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of bond financing, with case studies to demonstrate how bonds can be used in action.

• David Rogers, Senior Partner, Frost Brown Todd LLP

• Michael Allen, Partner, Ice Miller LLP
• Philip Angelo, Director, Huntington Capital Markets
• Terry Finn, President, Stern Brothers

Join Toby Rittner, CDFA's President & CEO, for an early evening reception and share your stories about what you've learned at the CDFA National Summit so far. Come for the networking, stay for the drinks!

• Butler Snow

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of CDFA! We will be honoring our 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award winners and reflecting back on CDFA's 40 year history. Come for the drinks, stay for the fun!

• Maryland Department of Commerce

• Darla Garrett, Director, Maryland Department of Commerce
• Toby Rittner, President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies

The nation will soon elect the 118th Congress, and with that comes potential changes in leadership and committee assignments. How should the development finance industry prepare? Grab some breakfast and join CDFA’s government affairs team to discuss the state of play, where Congress stands on private activity bonds and key tax issues, and what CDFA’s policy priorities should be going into the new year.

• Richard K Frampton, Retired/Illinois Finance Authority
• Katie Kramer, Executive Director, Ohio Statewide Development Corporation
• Mitchell Smith, Director, Government & External Affairs, Council of Development Finance Agencies

Applying for federal grants is a competitive process that requires a significant amount of time and planning prior to submission. It is essential for applicants to know how to navigate the available funding sources and prepare the necessary information to apply well in advance. This session will provide guidance and best practices on the various components of a federal grant application. This includes project planning and timeline development, budgeting, establishing partnerships, and conducting the background research and assessments necessary to justify the investment.

Join CDFA for a federal grant writing session focused on best practices for applying to federal grants. Speakers in this session will cover strategies, themes, and trends to write successful grant proposals for funding opportunities across federal agencies. During this workshop, attendees will have a chance to share their challenges and ask questions.

• Mitchell Smith, Director, Government & External Affairs, Council of Development Finance Agencies

• Erik Amundson, Deputy Regional Administrator, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Melisa Devincenzi, Brownfields Program Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Alecia Hart, Director of the Utah Small Business Credit Initiative (USBCI), Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
• Andrew Kleine, Senior Director, Government & Public Sector, EY-Parthenon
• David M Camerucci, Manager, EY

Accessible small business lending is a critical component of economic justice, yet many loan funds struggle to connect with the full diversity of borrowers in their community. This workshop will break down how lenders can build relationships with underserved groups, adapt lending approaches to reach a wider range of borrowers, and make organizational changes to further support the lender’s mission. CDFA leadership will be joined by direct lenders to share best practices and lessons learned from their own successes in better serving minority borrowers.

• Ariel Miller, Senior Director, Research & Technical Assistance, Council of Development Finance Agencies

• Precious Drew, Senior Managing Director, Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator Powered by gener8tor, gener8tor
• Terrance Grady, Commercial Loan Officer II, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
• Rosa Rios Valdez, CEO, BCL of Texas
• Everett Sands, Chief Executive Officer, Lendistry