The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) announces that one of its own, CEO Gary W. Smith, will be the 2026 inductee into its Chester County Hall of Fame, recognizing his uniquely successful career. This year marks his 50th year of service to CCEDC and to Chester County. A lifelong resident of Chester County, Smith joined the CCEDC in 1976. Within two years, he was named CEO of the organization, where he focused on furthering CCEDC's role as an economic development engine. Smith has been a long-time member of the CDFA Board of Directors.

The 2026 CDFA Federal Policy Conference will bring together Congressional leaders, federal agencies, state policy teams, investors, and development finance practitioners for a two-day exploration of the federal policy landscape shaping development finance in the coming year. Hotel rooms are available at the conference hotel for a discounted rate in CDFA's Room Block. We anticipate the block to close on or before March 16, so book your room and register today!

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 13, at 5:00 PM Eastern!

The Lending Improvement & Financial Transformation (LIFT) Program, led by ArkP3 in collaboration with CDFA, provides tailored consulting and Advisory Services to help Development Finance Agencies (DFAs) modernize, reactivate, and grow their Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs).

Rural Opportunity Zones could play a much bigger role in the next phase of the program than they did the first time around. With enhanced rural incentives built into OZ 2.0 — including a 30% basis step-up and more flexible development rules — the groundwork is being laid for a different kind of capital allocation when the new designation round takes effect in 2027. Incentive stacking can transform project economics, and developers can prepare now for the upcoming tract nomination process.

A first-of-its-kind platform built for rural America, the Rural Economic Development Tool, transforms federal data into clear, accessible insights, giving rural leaders the clarity they need to understand their economy and plan for what's next. The Rural Economic Development Tool puts powerful, rural-specific data directly into the hands of the people building local economies.

The Port of Cleveland Board of Directors approved a series of major actions that provided $82 million in financing for redevelopments across Northeast Ohio, enhancements to regional public safety infrastructure, and continued progress under the Port's federally funded clean energy initiatives. Additionally, the Board authorized approximately $10.6 million in non-rated tax-increment-financing bonds to provide infrastructure funding for a portion of a $100 million development in the 3800 block of Rockside Road in Seven Hills led by LSB Seven Hills, LLC.

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