Development Finance Review Weekly - April 17, 2025
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Features |
CDFA Recognizes Charity Karanja, DFCP
CDFA congratulates Charity Karanja, Attorney with Butler Snow LLP, on graduating from the Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) program. Ms. Karanja's practice focuses on public finance, economic development incentives, and government relations. She has served in various roles on public, private, and public-private finance transactions, including Special Tax Counsel, Bond Counsel, and Issuer's Counsel.
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.
Tariff Turbulence Sparks Opportunity: Bond Markets Poised for Strategic Gains Under New Trade Policies
With a renewed emphasis on protectionist trade policies, tariffs are once again reshaping global economic dynamics—this time with an eye toward aggressive reshoring and industrial competitiveness. Bond strategist Marilyn Cohen sees an opportunity in the disruption, pointing to potential gains in municipal and infrastructure bonds tied to domestic manufacturing, logistics, and energy production. As tariffs drive supply chain shifts and global uncertainty, long-term bonds in sectors aligned with "America First" economic initiatives may benefit from increased federal support and investor interest. Amidst the tariff turbulence, strategic bond investments tied to place-based economic growth may offer both stability and upside in 2025.
Seed Vault Cuts Threaten U.S. Food Security and Rural Economies Amid Federal Rollbacks
Recent funding cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) threaten key agricultural conservation efforts, including the National Laboratory for Genetic Resource Preservation in Colorado. This facility safeguards over 620,000 plant varieties vital for crop resilience. Budget reductions also impact seed banks, heritage crop programs, and support for small farmers, risking genetic diversity and sustainable practices. The cuts could lead to higher food prices and reduced innovation. Stakeholders are calling for restored funding to protect the nation's food security infrastructure.
CDFA-Bricker Graydon Webinar Series Returns: C-PACE Session April 29
The CDFA-Bricker Graydon Webinar Series: Practical Insights into Development Finance Tools is back! This free, four-part series dives into how tools like C-PACE, TIF, and public-private partnerships shape stronger communities. Join seasoned experts as they unpack real-world case studies and explore the lifecycle of key financing strategies. The first session, A C-PACE Success Story, offers a deep look at one project's journey from concept to completion. Attend live to ask questions and engage, or catch the recordings at your convenience. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best in the field! Register today!
North Carolina Health System Taps Bond Market for $925M Expansion Amid Policy Shifts
Novant Health is issuing $925 million in bonds to fund major upgrades across its North Carolina facilities, including a new hospital in Scotts Hill set to open in 2026 with 66 acute care beds and full emergency and surgical services. This move aligns with a growing trend of nonprofit health systems using tax-exempt bonds to modernize infrastructure. With interest rate volatility and new federal incentives reshaping the market, Novant's investment is part of a broader $5.5 billion systemwide expansion.
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Upcoming Events |

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Upcoming Webcasts |
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.
CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series: Navigating Access to Capital Networks in the Food System
May 6, 2025 - 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern
During this installment of the CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series, we'll explore key networks providing essential funding and resources to support the growth of businesses and projects across the food system. From farmers and food processors to food hubs, learn how these networks are unlocking financial resources, fostering partnerships, and driving transformative change by increasing capital access. Gain insights into strategies that help food system entrepreneurs tap into these networks for sustainable growth and innovation.
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Job & RFP Postings |
Maryland DHCD - CDA Lending and Risk Analyst II/Energy Quality Assurance Inspector
The Energy Quality Assurance Inspector ensures effective residential retrofits by applying expertise in building science, energy diagnostics, and conservation. Responsibilities include reviewing energy audits, scopes of work, and inspecting completed units. The role involves evaluating work by Weatherization Agencies and Contractors through site visits, data monitoring, training, and technical support. The position may manage CDA energy programs for single-family, multifamily, or commercial projects. Duties also include reviewing contractor proposals, plans, and monitoring construction progress. The inspector helps meet program goals and ensures regulatory compliance. Travel across Maryland is required for inspections, meetings, and other events related to energy programs.
Maryland DHCD - CDA Lending and Risk Analyst III Project Manager Team Lead
The Project Manager Team Lead oversees a team within the Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability (MEEHA) programs. They manage program initiatives, train and supervise Project Managers, and review their work, including approving funding requests and inspections. They liaise with energy auditing firms, approving Qualified Auditor applications and certifications. Additionally, the PM Team Lead develops program policies, guidelines, and reports, including Standard Operating Procedures, training materials, and performance data for external agencies. They also assist in long-term program planning and improvement. Eight years of experience evaluating the risk involved in granting single family, multifamily and commercial loans, government assistance programs, and/or construction management.
Maryland DHCD - Community Program Administrator II - Youth Homeless System Improvement Specialist
This position leads the YHSI steering committee and partner Continuums of Care in the development and implementation of youth-specific coordinated entry assessment tools, data collection, and reporting tools at a state and local level. This position leads, analyzes, and evaluates youth homeless services project- and system-level performance. This position is responsible for coordination of research, data and coordinated entry initiatives funded under YHSI. In this capacity, this position provides reports, updates, presentations, and recommendations to the YHSI steering committee, Director, Senior Policy Officer, and leadership team of the Division of Homeless Solutions.
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This Week's Headlines |
Conservation Groups File Lawsuit Over Rollback of Environmental Protections
The Guardian | Apr. 17 | Energy Finance | Green Finance | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Maine Farmers Rally Against USDA Cuts, Seek Relief from Federal Funding Losses
newscentermaine.com | Apr. 16 | Food Systems Finance | U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA)
$150M Federal Grant Awarded to SANDAG for Otay Mesa East Port of Entry
inewsource.org | Apr. 16 | Federal | U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT)
D.C. Judge Issues Order to Prevent Unlawful EPA Grant Termination
Climate United Fund | Apr. 15 | Energy Finance | Green Finance | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Agriculture Department Cancels $3B Grant Program for Climate-Friendly Crops
The Hill | Apr. 14 | Agriculture Finance | U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA)
Family Farms Face Financial Strain Amid Policy Shifts and Market Pressures
msn | Apr. 14 | Access to Capital | Community Development | Disaster Recovery & Relief | Economic Development | Food Systems Finance
Bond Market Turmoil Signals Economic Crossroads for 2025
abc news | Apr. 11 | Bond Finance | Community Development | Economic Development | Infrastructure Finance | Resiliency | U.S. Dept. of Treasury
Los Angeles Fintech Rain Raises $75M to Expand Financial Wellness Tools for U.S. Workers
Los Angeles Tech News | Apr. 11 | Access to Capital | Community Development | Economic Development | Housing Finance | Innovation Finance
Providence, RI's Track 15 Food Hall Secures $11M Financing for Historic Union Station Redevelopment
nerej | Apr. 11 | Access to Capital | Community Development | Economic Development | Food Systems Finance
Upper Savannah RLF Bridges Financing Gaps to Boost Small Business Growth Across the Region
Index Journal | Apr. 11 | Access to Capital | Local Finance Program | Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs)
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National Sponsor Spotlight |
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Hawes Hill and Associates LLP
Hawes Hill & Associates (HHA) concentrates on economic and community development and public financing consulting using special purpose districts, real estate incentives, and other public financing tools. Throughout its nearly 30-year history, HHA...
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Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP
Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP is the only national law firm in the United States whose practice is devoted primarily to public finance and public projects. Each of their specialty areas supports and complements our municipal transactions practice....
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Ice Miller LLP
Ice Miller is nationally recognized for its public-private partnerships (P3s), municipal bond, and economic development experience. Built on a foundation of legal service more than a century-long, the firm is committed to helping our clients stay...
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CDFA Bookstore |
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Revolving Loan Fund Reference Guide
The Revolving Loan Fund Reference Guide offers an in-depth look at RLF program development, implementation and management. This guide demonstrates how an RLF program can complement economic development strategies, encourage investment and assist traditionally underserved businesses.
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New Members |
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority - Lincoln, NE
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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.
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Council of Development Finance Agencies
425 Metro Place N., Suite 460
Dublin, OH 43017
(614) 705-1300
info@cdfa.net
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