Presented in partnership with Grow America, the Intro Opportunity Zones Finance Course will bring together program designers, fund managers, community leaders, investors, and policy experts to share strategies for attracting zone investments and maximizing Opportunity Zones 2.0. The course will also cover key legislative updates, including enhanced bonus depreciation provisions, new zone designations with an emphasis on rural areas, and other critical policy developments. Register today!

The South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA) has issued $12,135,000 in Educational Facilities Revenue Bonds for GREEN Charter Schools to purchase the building that houses GREEN Spartanburg. The school is one of seven in the GREEN network of schools across the state. GREEN (Global Renewable Energy Education Network) focuses on providing a STEM-based education to nearly 3,000 students in grades K-12 at campuses in Spartanburg, Greenville, Irmo, and North Charleston.

Lawmakers are moving closer to re-authorizing the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), with a long-term extension now likely as Congress prepares to vote on the reauthorization as part of the broader National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Under the pending DFC Modernization and Reauthorization Act of 2025, DFC's funding cap could increase dramatically — from roughly $60 billion to as much as $205–250 billion. Proponents say the reauthorization is crucial: it restores DFC's ability to deploy capital where private finance is insufficient, positioning the agency as a key tool of U.S. development diplomacy and strategic investment.

Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, warns that many Americans are already "living on the financial edge," raising the risk that the current economic gap could trigger a broader downturn. In this "K-shaped" economy, affluent households continue to spend and support GDP growth, while lower- and middle-income families face rising costs, stagnant wages, and shrinking financial buffers. With hiring subdued, layoffs mounting, and consumer spending among vulnerable families faltering, Zandi warns that a surge in pullback by households could act as "fodder for a recession."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make $12 billion available in one-time bridge payments to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. Of the $12 billion provided, up to $11 billion will be used for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, which provides broad relief to United States row-crop producers (e.g., corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, and more). The remaining $1 billion is reserved for specialty crops and other commodities. Funds are scheduled to be distributed by February 28, 2026.

Join us today at 1:00 PM for CDFA's first Opportunity Zones Networking Circle Forum on December 11. These sessions offer a space for open conversations, peer learning, and shared problem-solving, guided by experienced Ambassadors who lead the discussion and help keep the conversation going between meetings. Regardless of your level of OZ knowledge, you will gain practical insights, hear what is working in other communities, and expand your network. Networking Circle Forums are exclusively available to CDFA members as a member benefit; register or join CDFA today!

The Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) announced the launch of a $5 million Inland Empire Nonprofit Loan Fund, created in partnership with San Bernardino County, the city of Riverside, and the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF). Local nonprofits can apply for flexible, affordable loans designed to help them strengthen operations, manage cash flow, and expand their work, particularly in underserved and low-income communities. The first application window is open through Jan. 31, 2026.

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