Development Finance Review Weekly - April 3, 2025

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Features

Join us for the 2025 CDFA Federal Policy Conference April 15-16!

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!

Exclusive: All CDFI Programs Legally Required, Treasury Suggests

The U.S. Treasury Department has confirmed that all 11 programs within the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund are legally mandated. This response follows an executive order from President Trump aiming to eliminate non-statutory federal programs, which raised concerns about the future of CDFIs. The Treasury clarified that these programs, such as the Native American CDFI Assistance Program and the Small Dollar Loan Program, are backed by specific laws. Despite pushback from bipartisan lawmakers urging preservation, no final decisions have been made regarding the programs' future, though discussions on improving efficiency are ongoing.

Schools and Farmers Brace for Impact as USDA Cuts Food Program Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has abruptly halted funding that supported fresh, locally grown food programs for schools and food banks. The decision stemming from recent federal budget cuts under the Trump administration concerns communities nationwide. Now, families, farmers, and school nutrition advocates are left uncertain. The School Nutrition Association reports that state agencies have been informed the USDA will not review applications or award grants for the 2025 fiscal year.

Join CDFA for the Return of the Revolving Loan Fund Course Week!

CDFA's Revolving Loan Fund Course Week is returning with the intro level on May 12-13 followed by the advanced level on May 14-15. Register for one or both of these courses to learn from experts about developing, implementing, and managing efficient and impactful revolving loan fund programs.

U.S. Municipal Bonds Integrate Climate Risk Assessments Amid Evolving Federal Policies

Municipal bond issuers across the U.S. are increasingly integrating climate risk assessments into their offerings. In places like Ocean City, NJ, and Lindenhurst, NY, bonds with high flood risk scores are being issued to support critical infrastructure, despite the physical risks. School districts in Pennsylvania, California, and Florida are also navigating climate exposure with bond issuances rated for wildfire and flood risks. While the Trump administration has prioritized infrastructure investment, it has simultaneously rolled back several federal climate mandates. The administration's broader deregulatory stance creates uncertainty for bond investors and underwriters evaluating long-term resilience.

U.S. Must Reassure Treasury Investors Amid Rising Debt and Inflation Concerns

The U.S. has long benefitted from the dollar as the world's reserve currency, with global investors buying Treasury bonds. However, expansive fiscal policies under the new administration have increased the budget deficit to $1.8 trillion, and trade tariffs have raised inflation. Credit rating agencies are scrutinizing these moves, especially proposals to devalue the dollar to reduce trade deficits. Maintaining investor confidence in Treasury bonds is crucial to avoid higher borrowing costs, a weaker dollar, and reduced economic stability.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webcasts

Growing Diverse Housing Developers: Opportunity Zones and Affordable Housing Policy Under the New Administration
March 28, 2025

Join CDFA and Raza Development Fund for an in-depth discussion on Opportunity Zones and Affordable Housing Policy Under the New Administration, a webcast exploring affordable housing finance strategies and emerging policy initiatives. Industry leaders will unpack how a potential "Opportunity Zone 2.0" framework could support affordable housing projects, with insights into the evolving landscape under the current administration. Featured speakers include Sarah Brundage (NAAHL), Jorge Gonzalez (Urban Institute), Shay Hawkins (Opportunity Funds Association), Daffney Moore (Innovative Consulting Group), and Kevin Wilson (Novogradac & Company LLP). Don't miss this timely conversation on the future of housing and place-based investment.

Growing Diverse Housing Developers: Structuring Financially Sustainable Affordable Housing Projects
March 28, 2025

CDFA invites you to a hands-on webcast, Structuring Financially Sustainable Affordable Housing Projects, focused on real-world strategies for developing financially viable affordable housing. Attendees will dive into project pro forma presentations, analyze diverse capital stacks, and explore best practices for structuring deals. The event will wrap up with a detailed NMTC case study, walking through each step of a successful financing model. Featured speakers include Debbie Schwartz (Ambit Capital Structures), Donna Smith (SmithNMTC Associates), and Omar Uddin (Uddin Development Consulting). This is a must-attend session for housing finance professionals looking to sharpen their structuring skills.

CDFA // BNY Development Finance Webcast Series: Tax-Exempt Bonds in Affordable Housing Development
April 22, 2025 - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern

During this installment of the CDFA // BNY Development Finance Webcast Series, panelists will provide an in-depth look at Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) bonds and how they've been used to finance the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing units.

Job & RFP Postings

RFP – Union Plaza Redevelopment

The City of El Paso, Texas is seeking to sell seventeen (17) City-owned properties and partnering with an experienced Development Team(s) to redevelop the properties using 'adaptive reuse' which refers to the process of repurposing an existing building or structure for a new use, while retaining its historic or architectural features. The properties are generally located between Santa Fe Street, Chihuahua Street, Paisano Street and Overland Street which is Union Plaza area in the City's historic downtown. Sites can be sold as individual properties or for a Master Plan Development. Please log into the City of El Paso's Ionwave website to view the Current Bid Opportunity: Bid Number 2025-0386R Union Plaza Redevelopment.

This Week's Headlines

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National Sponsor Spotlight

	Bricker Graydon LLP Bricker Graydon LLP assists public and private sector entities throughout the Midwest with the implementation of development finance projects utilizing tax incentives and bond finance structures, including TIF, CPACE, and other leverage tools.
	Business Oregon Business Oregon works to create, retain, expand, and attract businesses that provide sustainable, living-wage jobs for Oregonians through public-private partnerships, leveraged funding, and support of economic opportunities for Oregon companies and...

CDFA Bookstore

Innovation Finance Reference Guide

The Innovation Finance Reference Guide explores the growing seed, venture capital, and angel investment industry, and gives development finance agencies a roadmap for building an innovation finance initiative that supports entrepreneurship, business investment, and job creation.

The Council of Development Finance Agencies is a national association dedicated to the advancement of development finance concerns and interests. CDFA is comprised of the nation's leading and most knowledgeable members of the development finance community representing public, private and non-profit entities alike. For more information about CDFA, visit www.cdfa.net or e-mail info@cdfa.net.

Council of Development Finance Agencies
425 Metro Place N., Suite 460
Dublin, OH 43017
(614) 705-1300
info@cdfa.net