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).

CDFA is pleased to announce Alexander Previts, Development Finance Manager at Project Management Consultants LLC, as the newest graduate of the prestigious Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) program. Mr. Previts joins the ranks of fellow graduates who are recognized as the most qualified leaders in the development finance industry.

For many Opportunity Zone (OZ) investors and Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) managers, the next few years won't just be about tax benefits — they'll be about timing, documentation, and defensible decisions. Beginning January 1, 2027, newly designated OZ 2.0 tracts will come online while the original OZ 1.0 tracts continue through the end of 2028, creating a temporary period in which both sets of zones coexist. With no federal guidance yet on the interaction between OZ 1.0 and OZ 2.0, investors, developers, and operating businesses need to document their assumptions, model different outcomes, and get ready for possible shifts in policy.

According to Mordor Intelligence's latest report, the sustainable finance market size is expanding from USD 13.4 trillion in 2025 to USD 15.06 trillion in 2026, and is projected to approach USD 26.93 trillion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 12.34%. ESG considerations are now firmly embedded in banking and investment decisions, driven by climate stress testing by central banks and stricter disclosure requirements. Despite this momentum, long-term growth will depend on consistent regulatory frameworks, favorable interest-rate conditions, and continued policy support for ESG-aligned finance.

The State of New York has launched the Housing Central New York Fund, a $150 million public-private investment vehicle to kick start the construction of 2,500 workforce housing units throughout Central New York across its initial seven-year term. The fund follows Micron's $100 billion investment plan in Clay, NY., where it aims to develop four fabs over the next two decades. This could generate demand for 30,000 housing units, according to an HR&A study commissioned by the Empire State Development. ESD seeded the revolving loan fund with $30 million, while the remainder $120 million was pledged by other partners.

Jersey City-based SageSure and SureChoice Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (SURE) announced the successful close of the Gateway Re Ltd. Series 2026-1 catastrophe bond at an original principal amount of $670 million, the franchise's largest issuance to date. All five tranches priced within initial guidance, signaling strong investor trust in the Gateway Re series. With the close of this transaction, SageSure-supported franchises have $3.1 billion in outstanding notional limit, solidifying its place as the third-largest catastrophe bond sponsor in the world.

The Director of Strategic Initiatives manages and grows two important business development programs for the State: The Opportunity Zone program and the NourishMD Grant Program. Governor Moore has delegated to DHCD to designate the next round of Opportunity Zones in Maryland by September 29, 2026. This requires data analysis, stakeholder engagement and consultations, and business development strategy-making around each zone. After zones are designated, this position will be responsible for driving investments into the targeted areas, forming partnerships to further that goal, and finding creative ways for the State to assist in identifying opportunities for investment. The NourishMD Grant Program provides grants to for-profit and nonprofit retailers to further fresh and healthy food access in communities in food deserts. The inaugural round of funding initiated in January of 2026 with up to $3.8 million in funding available. This position provides an opportunity to take a hands-on approach to place-based economic development in communities across Maryland that have a high degree of need based on income levels, poverty rates, or food access.

The purpose of this RFP is to identify an operator to run a community-centered grocery store in the Charles Page neighborhood. This store will play a vital role in restoring food access to a loyal and underserved community that currently has no other grocery options. The store is also positioned to attract customers from surrounding areas including those north of Highway 412 who are already visiting the neighborhood's community center and other local amenities. Shifting demographics show downtown Tulsa, OK, shifting west and Sand Springs shifting east growing the population of Charles Page to an up-and-coming area. The proposed grocery site is located at 19 S 49th W Ave, Tulsa, OK 74127. The deadline for Intent to Apply is Friday, March 13, 2026 with the full Application due on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Under the supervision of the Senior Policy Officer, this position will work closely with local and regional homeless response systems (Continuums of Care) across the State of Maryland to advance their efforts to report and achieve measurable reductions in homelessness, through data-driven and rapid results strategies. The State Systems Improvement Advisor (SSIA) will coach and train Maryland Continuums of Care to improve their data collection, services, and housing prioritization systems. This position will facilitate related peer learning opportunities across all 10 Maryland CoCs and collaborate with federal, state, and local agencies funding homeless services and housing. In this capacity, this position provides reports, updates, presentations, and recommendations to the Senior Policy Officer, and leadership team of the Division of Homeless Solutions.

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