-Agenda
2026 CDFA Federal Policy Conference Agenda
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
| Tue 10:00 AM |
Registration Opens
Stop by the CDFA registration desk to pick up your conference materials and name badges.
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| Tue 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Opening Session: Navigating the Federal Crosscurrents of 2026
This opening plenary provides a strategic overview of the Congressional, administrative, and regulatory forces shaping development finance in 2026. Speakers will unpack near-term legislative priorities, executive branch initiatives, and federal funding signals that directly affect state and local capital deployment. Attendees will leave with a clearer sense of timing, risk, and opportunity across SSBCI, NMTC, Opportunity Zones 2.0, energy incentives, and bond modernization. The session sets the policy context for the full conference and frames how practitioners should prepare for 2027.
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| Tue 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM |
Lunch Keynote: The Federal Administration’s Focus on Economic Development
This keynote conversation explores the Administration’s vision for economic competitiveness, inclusive growth, and long-term capital formation. Federal leaders will discuss how public policy is being used to mobilize private investment in communities, infrastructure, housing, and innovation. The session will connect national economic priorities to on-the-ground financing strategies used by states and local governments. Attendees will gain perspective on how federal leadership views partnership with development finance agencies.
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| Tue 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM |
Networking Break
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| Tue 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
Congressional Roundtable: Development Finance Priorities on Capitol Hill
This Congressional roundtable offers a candid, bipartisan discussion with Members and senior staff from key tax-writing and finance committees. Panelists will discuss legislative momentum around tax policy, community investment tools, and place-based strategies, namely focused on federal tax-exempt bond programs. The session will highlight where consensus is emerging, where friction remains, and how state and local leaders can effectively engage federal policymakers. Attendees will gain practical insight into how Congressional dynamics may influence program extensions, reforms, and new initiatives.
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| Tue 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
The Impact of New Markets Tax Credits Permanency
The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program was made permanent under the OBBBA in 2025. In December 2025, The Trump Administration approved a “double round” of NMTC awards to account for 2024 and 2025. This announcement unlocked $10 billion in NMTC incentives. Permanent NMTCs presents a great opportunity for communities to get engaged with this important development finance tool like never before. Learn how permanency was achieved and how it may impact your community going forward.
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| Tue 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
Small Business Lending & Updates on the State Small Business Credit Initiative
The small business lending landscape has changed dramatically over the first year of the Trump Administration. From new programming to emerging small business lending tools and the potential of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), the world of lending is in flux. During this important session, attendees will learn about the future of SBA, Treasury and other small business lending resources available to economic developers.
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| Tue 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM |
Reception: Connecting the Development Finance Network
The opening reception provides an opportunity for attendees, speakers, and federal partners to connect in an informal setting. Participants can build relationships, exchange ideas, and set the stage for deeper conversations throughout the conference. This session is designed to strengthen cross-sector collaboration across public, private, and nonprofit finance leaders.
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| Tue 6:30 PM |
CDFA President’s Club VIP Dinner (Invitation Only)
A distinguished fine-dining event for CDFA President’s Club members and VIPs, joined by select members of the CDFA board and senior staff. The evening provides a chance to connect with leadership, enjoy an elevated meal, and participate in meaningful conversations in an exclusive atmosphere.
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Wednesday, April 8, 2026
| Wed 8:00 AM |
Registration Opens
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| Wed 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
Breakfast Briefing: Opportunity Zones 2.0 – Legislation, Guidance, and Federal Direction
This breakfast briefing delivers a high-level update on the federal OZ 2.0 landscape. This will include legislative activities, anticipated guidance, and regulatory timelines. Congressional and department representatives will discuss interagency coordination and how OZ permanence is being approached across the federal government. The session will clarify what guidance has been released, what is forthcoming, and what uncertainties remain. Attendees will gain clear signals on how to prepare for the next phase of OZ implementation.
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| Wed 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
State Perspectives on OZ 2.0 Designation & Pipeline Development
This session highlights how states are approaching Opportunity Zone designation under the new OZ 2.0 framework. State leaders will share lessons learned on policy design, stakeholder engagement, and project pipeline development. The discussion will emphasize practical strategies for aligning state priorities with federal expectations.
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| Wed 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
The Technical Playbook for OZ 2.0: Compliance, Structuring, and Reporting
Technical experts will walk attendees through what has changed under Opportunity Zones 2.0 and what it means for compliance and fund operations. Topics include new reporting requirements, fund structuring considerations, substantial improvement tests, and risk management for investors and public partners. This session is designed to translate statutory and regulatory updates into actionable guidance. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to operationalize OZ 2.0 effectively.
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| Wed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
Lunch Keynote: The Federal Vision for Opportunity Zones
This keynote features senior federal leadership discussing the Administration’s approach to Opportunity Zones. Speakers will address national policy direction, cross-agency coordination, and how OZs fit within broader economic development and investment strategies. The conversation will provide insight into how federal priorities may influence program design and implementation over the next decade. Attendees will gain perspective on how OZs are positioned within the broader federal investment agenda.
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| Wed 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
OZ 2.0 in Practice: Ask-an-Expert OZ Roundtable
This interactive session connects attendees directly with federal agencies, OZ 2.0 experts and industry players involved in Opportunity Zone implementation. Stakeholders will discuss and explain how OZ considerations are integrated into federal funding eligibility, scoring, and guidance. Participants will then rotate through small-group discussions, allowing for targeted questions and practical problem-solving. The session is designed to provide actionable, federal-specific insights that attendees can apply immediately in their communities.
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