Some things are just better in person—like the CDFA National Development Finance Summit! Join us this November in Baltimore for three days of in-depth engagement with leading experts in development finance. This premier event provides opportunities to network, share insights, and explore innovative financing solutions. Register today to take advantage of our Early Bird Rates, which end on October 11! A special thanks to our Presenting Sponsors, the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Department of Housing and Community Development. Don't miss this chance to connect with the best in the industry!

As the southeast region reels from Hurricane Helene and as another potential major storm bears down on Florida this week, a group of finance agencies is urging Congress to create disaster recovery bonds that would give cities, towns, and states immediate access to low-cost financing after a natural or man-made disaster. The Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) is urging its more than 500 members to lobby federal lawmakers to craft and pass legislation that would allow issuers to float tax-exempt private activity bonds, not subject to the volume cap, when a state of emergency has been declared.

For over 25 years, the Main Street Maryland program, run by the Department of Community and Economic Development, has revitalized historic downtowns through community-driven initiatives. In partnership with the Maryland Economic Development Administration, the program has generated over $1 billion in investments and created more than 4,000 jobs. With 34 new thriving communities participating, the enthusiasm for these revitalization efforts continues to grow, showcasing innovative ways to market rural areas as leisure destinations.

In an editorial authored by the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) President and CEO Toby Rittner, the association spotlights how reform of development financing tools for beginning farmers and smaller manufacturers can enhance both industries. Both Manufacturing Day and National Farmer's Day are celebrated in October, making it a great time for federal policymakers to re-examine the Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act (MAMBA), a plan to update Small-Issue Manufacturing Bonds, often called Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs), as well as First-Time Farmer Bonds ("Aggie Bonds").

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, alongside U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials, announced $67 million in federal grants aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation. The funds include a $62.4 million grant for the Solar for All program, which will provide affordable solar energy to eligible households, create jobs in the renewable sector, and support disaster recovery efforts. Additionally, the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation received a $5 million Brownfields Cleanup Grant to revitalize a former rail yard in Irvine into a community entertainment and business district, projected to create 15-30 new jobs.

Low-income housing tax credits account for Nebraska's biggest chunk of affordable rental housing — about 5,000 new dwellings over the last decade and another 2,000 or so in various stages of development. A report issued by the Nebraska Legislative Research Office says the Cornhusker State ranks at the bottom of the pack when looking at how much state government spent on "housing and community development" projects. Competition for money is fierce, experts say, and much of the Legislature's recent focus has been on property tax relief.

CDFA acknowledges the recent passing of Dennis Enright of Jersey City, New Jersey. He was a long-serving partner and valued CDFA National Sponsor whose unwavering support and dedication significantly contributed to CDFA and the development finance community. Mr. Enright leaves behind a legacy cherished by family and friends.

Tricolor announced a $288 million social bond to empower underserved, low-income communities through improved access to affordable financing to meet their vital transportation needs and ultimately provide a path to mainstream financing. Leveraging its proprietary dataset of over 45 million unique attributes, Tricolor is an award-winning fintech innovator that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) across its integrated, end-to-end model to create a superior value proposition for historically underserved customers. By providing deserving people with access to reliable, affordable transportation, Tricolor helps move them into the financial mainstream and reverse systemic financial inequities in America.

The Climate Funding Manager will build community capacity to navigate funding opportunities (i.e., grants, loans, and other financing mechanisms), develop strong proposals, and effectively manage funding for climate action. They will work directly with New England municipalities, Tribes, community-based organizations, and utilities, with an emphasis on removing barriers and improving accessibility to funding for underserved and environmental justice communities.

The Water Infrastructure Specialist will support NEEFC's growing New England Water Infrastructure Network (NEWIN) program, which helps communities access Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater needs. This position will apply their technical training and experience to help water systems address the capital, operational, managerial, and financial challenges they face. The Specialist will manage technical projects and perform both lead and supporting roles working directly with water systems across New England.

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Document for CDFA members to support the introduction and passage of legislation to make Disaster Recovery Bonds a permanent category of private activity bonds.

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