-Agenda
Monday, August 4, 2025
Mon 11:00 AM - 11:05 AM |
Welcome & Overview
Welcome to the course! This session will introduce CDFA, explain how to use the online software, and discuss the framework for the Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance Course.
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Mon 11:05 AM - 11:45 AM |
Understanding Development Finance & the Toolbox Approach
This session will set the stage for attendees to build their core knowledge of the roots and basic principles of development finance. Attendees will learn about the fundamental concepts of building a comprehensive financing strategy.
Speaker(s)
- Toby Rittner, President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies
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Mon 11:45 AM - 12:50 PM |
Bedrock Tools
Bonds are the bedrock of development finance and are the cornerstone of most development finance projects. This session will address the basics of bond finance including the various types of bonds, what bonds can finance, how bonds are issued, and important legal elements to be considered.
Speaker(s)
- Toby Rittner, President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies
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Mon 12:50 PM - 1:00 PM |
Break
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Mon 1:00 PM - 2:05 PM |
Targeted Tools
Targeted financing programs are the most popular form of development finance. Attendees will learn the basics of several financing tools including tax increment financing, special improvement districts/business improvement districts, special assessment districts, and tax abatements as well as how they can be used to meet economic development goals and objectives.
Speaker(s)
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Mon 2:05 PM - 2:10 PM |
Break
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Mon 2:10 PM - 3:15 PM |
Investment Tools
In this session, attendees will learn about the investment tools available for catalyzing job growth, real estate development, community revitalization, and entrepreneurial development. Presentations will cover several highly successful federal tax credit programs and how to effectively apply these programs to development opportunities.
Speaker(s)
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Mon 3:15 PM - 4:20 PM |
Access to Capital Tools
Important components in any development finance toolbox are tools that address access to capital concerns such as revolving loan funds, mezzanine finance, credit enhancement models, linked deposit programs, and loan guarantee programs. Speakers will discuss the use of innovation finance mechanisms such as seed, venture, and angel funds for encouraging local growth.
Speaker(s)
- Toby Rittner, President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies
- Thomas Schnell, Team Lead & Finance Officer, Business Oregon
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Mon 4:20 PM - 4:30 PM |
Federal Support Tools
This session will demonstrate the power of federal support tools and present the multitude of programs that exist within the various federal agencies. Attendees will learn about these programs and how to effectively apply them to development opportunities.
Speaker(s)
- Toby Rittner, President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies
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Mon 4:30 PM - 4:55 PM |
Implementing the Development Finance Toolbox
Development finance agencies throughout the country are implementing the toolbox approach. This final session of the course will focus on case study examples of successful agencies utilizing the toolbox model and strategies for putting the toolbox in place at your agency.
Speaker(s)
- Toby Rittner, President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies
- Lori Sallaz, Chief Lending Officer, Development Finance Authority of Summit County
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Mon 4:55 PM - 5:00 PM |
Closing Discussion / Final Questions
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