CDFA signs on to support the reintroduction of the Brownfields Redevelopment Tax Incentive Reauthorization Act, which will allow taxpayers to fully deduct the cleanup costs of contaminated property in the year the costs were incurred. The brownfield tax incentive is an investment in economic development, community health, and communities disadvantaged by historic land use patterns and hazardous land uses: restoring this vial tax incentive is long overdue and must be a priority in any tax legislation considered by this Congress.

Uncertainty can cause concern. But it can also provide opportunities. This is why we're hosting the annual CDFA Federal Policy Conference, presented with CHFA, this April 15-16 in Washington D.C. This is your chance to hear from—and be heard by—the people influencing the development finance industry at the federal level. This isn't just a networking conference with informative breakout sessions, it's a chance to sit at the table and talk with representatives from federal agencies. Save your seat at this important meeting of the minds, and help us turn uncertainty into opportunity. Register today!

The sustainable bond market is grappling with headwinds from rising interest rates, regulatory shifts, and evolving investor sentiment. This article dives into the key challenges facing green, social, and sustainability-linked bonds, exploring what these trends mean for public and private sector issuers. With sustainable finance playing an increasing role in economic development, understanding these market dynamics is crucial for development finance agencies. Higher borrowing costs and shifting investor priorities could impact municipal green bonds, tax-exempt financing structures, and public-private partnerships. This piece provides valuable insights for CDFA members looking to navigate these complexities, align financing strategies with sustainability goals, and leverage emerging opportunities in impact-driven capital markets.

The Caren S. Franzini Fellowship was established to cultivate and celebrate exceptional women in development finance, recognizing their leadership and commitment to advancing the industry. Administered by the CDFA Foundation, this six-month fellowship is open to women employed by a CDFA member organization with less than 10 years of experience in the field. Apply by Friday, March 14!

CDFA congratulates Rachel Bakken, Senior Capital Project and Portfolio Manager for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, on graduating from the Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) Program. Ms. Bakken plays a pivotal role in empowering small businesses across the state. In her current capacity, she is adept at negotiating, structuring, and executing commercial and industrial financing projects, particularly aimed at underserved markets.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, with the assistance of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), identified and canceled more than 400 additional grants across nine programs totaling $1.7 billion. This marks the fourth round of EPA-DOGE partnered cancellations as the Administrator oversees a line-by-line review of spending, bringing the total cuts to more than $2 billion since being sworn in.

Rising tariffs, fluctuating Treasury yields, and mounting national debt are creating new pressures on financial markets, with direct implications for bond investors and public finance professionals. Shifts in Treasury yields and federal debt policies have significant ripple effects on borrowing costs, credit ratings, and long-term infrastructure financing. As uncertainty grows, understanding these macroeconomic forces is essential for structuring resilient public-private partnerships and optimizing tax-exempt financing.

The Program Manager position is responsible for the development, implementation and management, and monitoring of the State of Maryland's federally-funded HOME Investment Partnership Program. This position also implements the oversight of the HOME American Rescue Plan Program (ARP) to ensure compliance. This Program Manager provides oversight for the development of systems, policies, and procedures for this federal program, as well as State programs. The candidate must implement guidelines and programmatic policies for preventing fraud, waste, and abuse of federal funds as required by program regulations. This position also analyzes, applies, and enforces complex federal guidelines.

The Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government aims to catalyze economic growth and equity by significantly increasing investment capital inflows from Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to its underserved and diverse neighborhoods. The FUSE Executive Fellow will conduct a comprehensive analysis of Louisville's CDFI ecosystem, identify opportunities for innovative financial services, and develop a strategic plan to align local government policy with CDFI investments. This initiative seeks to stimulate entrepreneurship, expand homeownership, and create wealth-building opportunities in historically underserved communities. By enhancing Louisville's capacity to attract and leverage CDFI investments, LMG aspires to close the gap with peer cities and foster a more inclusive economic landscape.

The Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government aims to narrow racial wealth gaps by empowering small developers from underserved communities to launch and grow their businesses. The FUSE Executive Fellow will develop and pilot a comprehensive small developer education program while identifying key resources, incentives, and policy pathways to amplify the initiative's impact and sustainability beyond the fellowship year. This multifaceted approach will drive community investments, fuel entrepreneurship, and increase wealth in lower-income and diverse communities, ultimately contributing to a more equitable Louisville.

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Manager of Project Management & Site Strategies will oversee economic development plans and projects for the Lorain Port Authority, focusing on property development and site readiness. Responsibilities include leading port property development, pursuing grants for waterfront sites, evaluating market opportunities, managing outreach programs, maintaining business and site inventories, and assisting with budgeting and strategic plan implementation. The role also involves fostering agency cooperation to attract and retain businesses. To apply, submit your resume, cover letter, and references to Executive Director Tiffany McClelland at tmcclelland@lorainportauthority.com. The application period remains open until the position is filled, with review starting on March 17th, 2025.

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