Unlocking Opportunities: Winning Strategies for CDFIs in Special Purpose Credit Programs

Over the past several years, Special Purpose Credit Programs (“SPCPs”) have emerged as a powerful tool for addressing persistent lending disparities. At the encouragement of regulators, advocates, and others, many institutions have launched SPCPs specifically designed to close lending gaps in communities of color, with very promising results. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are in a unique position to reach these populations, but there has been growing concerns about the continued viability of these programs considering recent legal challenges to race-conscious programs in other areas. This webinar will (1) provide an overview of SPCPs; (2) highlight the progress lenders have made over the past several years, including examples of various public programs, (3) address the impact of anti-affirmative action litigation/legal developments on CDFIs, and (4) discuss a strategic path forward for CDFIs interested in creating programs aimed at reducing the racial wealth gap and other important disparities. The panel discussion will end with a Q&A from the audience.

Panelists:

• Imani Cherry, Attorney with Relman Colfax
• Dafina Williams, EVP Chief Public Policy Officer & Head of Government Affairs for Opportunity Finance Network