The all-new CDFA Winter Institute debuts February 23-27, 2026! We're excited to bring you five executive format courses that were a hit at the 2025 Summer Institute. Designed for busy professionals, courses are scheduled without overlap, allowing you to complete multiple core classes in a single week while building a practical, integrated understanding of development finance. This is one of your only opportunities in 2026 to complete CDFA's core introductory training courses. Knock out your DFCP requirement courses this February! Learn more about the courses offered and register today!

The U.S. corporate bond market experienced a remarkable surge, with companies issuing approximately $1.7 trillion in bonds — a near-record volume that ranks second only to the pandemic-driven frenzy of 2020. This wave of debt financing has been propelled largely by the explosive demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, including massive data centers, advanced servers, and energy-intensive computing resources.

Even though both states base stadium financing on sales taxes, each state's proposals could hardly be more different. In Missouri, Jackson County calls the shots. It currently has a ⅜-cent county sales tax (0.375%) approved in 2006 to fund improvements to both stadiums in the Truman Sports Complex. It expires in 2031. In April, voters rejected another ⅜-cent tax to replace the 2006 tax and run it through 2064. It was expected to bring in $2 billion to pay the lion's share of modernizing Arrowhead and building a new Royals stadium downtown.

The CDFA Opportunity Zones Learning Series, presented in partnership with Grow America, is a resource to help communities develop a comprehensive understanding of Opportunity Zones. The first installment of the CDFA Opportunity Zones Learning Series will provide an overview of the Opportunity Zones program, with insights into key dates for 2026. Participants will leave this session with an understanding of the Opportunity Zones program. Register for one session or the full series. Save with significant discounts for CDFA member organizations and those who register for the full series!

Netflix Inc. (NFLX) has secured a significant new financing structure to support its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD), by replacing part of its previous bridge loan with a more stable funding structure for the high-profile deal. On December 5, Netflix inked a deal with WBD to acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO, and HBO Max, in a cash-and-stock transaction totaling $82.7 billion.

The Tobacco Settlement Asset Securitization Corporation ("TSASC") is a local development corporation created pursuant to the Not-For-Profit Corporation Law of the State of New York (the "State"). TSASC was created as a financing entity whose purpose is to issue and sell bonds and notes to fund a portion of the capital program of the City of New York (the "City"). The City sold its right to receive tobacco settlement revenues ("TSRs") to TSASC and issued debt secured by the TSRs, which are paid by cigarette companies as part of their settlement with 46 states, including the State of New York, and other U.S. Territories.

Start your year strong! Join CDFA for a three-part webinar series on Vermont's new Community and Housing Infrastructure Program. Designed for local municipalities, this series will build a solid foundation in Tax Increment Financing and guide responsible implementation of this important new tool. Register now!

A new bill aimed at tackling the housing affordability crisis has advanced out of committee in the U.S. House, renewing hopes that the federal government will take action to address soaring costs. The House Financial Services Committee on voted 50-1 to advance H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, setting the stage for a vote in the full House. The bill would also need Senate approval and President Donald Trump's signature to become law.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a comprehensive increase in Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan limits for 2026, a move aimed at mirroring the continued appreciation of home values across the country. Effective for all FHA cases filed on or after Jan. 1, 2026, the new loan limits will see the floor for single-family homes rise to $541,287, while the ceiling will increase to $1,249,125. HUD aims to ensure that low- to moderate-income borrowers and first-time homebuyers are not priced out of FHA-insured financing in an increasingly competitive market.

2026 CDFA Opportunity Zones Learning Series
January 15, March 12, May 14, July 16, September 10, December 16 - 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

The Council of Development Finance Agencies seeks a motivated, well-organized and energetic individual to fill the position of Coordinator, Knowledge & Networks. This position is critical to the continued success of CDFA's education, advocacy, research, resources, and networking efforts. This position is responsible for assisting with CDFA's research projects, resource collection, information sharing, newsletter publications, headlines review, and educational efforts. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic person to contribute to a great organization, working to create economic prosperity across the country. This is a hybrid position is located in Dublin, OH. A cover letter, resume, salary request, and three professional/academic references should be emailed to jobs@cdfa.net

KCDC is seeking its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join a high-performing team dedicated to creating lasting impact in communities. From revitalizing residential neighborhoods to energizing commercial business districts, this position serves as a strategic and operational leader who works in close partnership with the CEO and the executive leadership team. This individual is responsible for attracting capital, leveraging the balance sheet and borrowing capacity, and ensuring strong financial policies, procedures, and reporting systems are in place. Applications are accepted electronically at kcdc.org. The position is open until filled with a first review of applications beginning December 19, 2025.

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CDFA is pleased to announce William Smith, Economic Development Manager for the City of Douglasville, Georgia, as the newest graduate of the prestigious Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) program. Mr. Smith joins the ranks of fellow graduates who are recognized as the most qualified leaders in the development finance industry.

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