In this episode of If Cincinnati’s walls could talk listeners will learn about all things CDFIs. This includes what CDFIs are, how they work, and the impact they have on affordable housing projects. Special thanks to Luke Blocher who spoke with us about the way Cincinnati development fund operates as a CDFI. Without his insights, this episode would not have been possible.

Key Takeaways:

·     What a CDFI is

·     How CDFIs get funding

·     The role of CDFIs in affordable housing

·     How funds are managed and distributed

·     Challenges in affordable housing financing

·     CDFIs supporting diverse developers

Featured Guest:

·     Luke Blocher – General Counsel and Chief Strategy Officer, Cincinnati Development Fund (CDF)

Resources & Links:

·     What is a CDFI? This Opportunity finance network page provides a description of CDFIs and explains how and who they operate for.

·     Cincinnati development fund’s page on lending shares information on their role as a lender for low to moderate income communities.

·     Cincinnati development fund Explains the affordable housing leverage fund and Cincinnati development fund’s role in managing and distributing funds.

Podcast Credits:

Thank you to Tyler Cole, Avery Keller, Celeste Leonard, Kevin Schenkel, and Makenzie Stewart for their contributions to this episode.