National Summit Agenda

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is available to meet with conference attendees. These meetings must be scheduled prior to attending. If you would like to schedule a one-on-one meeting with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, please contact Lori DeWine at ldewine@cdfa.net.

The Advanced Tax Increment Finance Course builds upon curriculum from the Intro Tax Increment Finance Course by focusing more concretely on structuring the deal and developing short- and long-term policies. Attendees will also learn about performance monitoring, feasibility analysis, and using TIF in conjunction with other development finance tools. This is an extra fee event.

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The Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance Course is the foundation for all of CDFA’s educational offerings. This course will help attendees understand the variety of development finance tools available including bonds, tax credits, tax increment financing (TIF), RLFs, and access to capital lending resources. This is an extra fee event.

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We invite you to join us for an engaging update on the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) with Treasury officials, program managers, and key stakeholders. This is your opportunity to hear inspiring success stories, get the latest on the progress of drawing second and third tranches of the Capital Program funding, and hear Treasury’s review of the 2024 SSBCI report. Plus, during this convening, you'll have the chance to ask questions and contribute to the discussion. We’re looking forward to an informative and interactive session with you!

• Lori DeWine, Managing Director, Council of Development Finance Agencies

• Frank Dickson, Director, Strategic Business Initiatives, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
• Joe Meginnes, Director of the Access Small Business Program, Calvert Impact
• Jack Miner, Chief Investment Officer, TEDCO
• Jeff Stout, Director, U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Justin Vause, Commercial Loan Officer III, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority

This session will provide a broad overview of SSBCI compliance requirements, the most recent published U.S. Department of the Treasury SSBCI Capital Program Policy Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions, as well as key compliance insights and best practices.

This session will be led by representatives from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

• Lori DeWine, Managing Director, Council of Development Finance Agencies

• Lisa Dargis, Outreach Manager, U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Somaree Taru, Compliance Analyst, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Kick-start your National Development Finance Summit by meeting with fellow new members and first-time attendees to maximize your conference experience. Network with some of CDFA’s Development Certified Finance Professionals, staff members, and long-time attendees to start making lasting connections. We want to ensure you have a seamless and successful experience at the National Summit.

In keeping with CDFA tradition, the 2024 National Development Finance Summit will commence with some great food and tasty drinks. This year, we welcome Darla Garrett, Director of Finance Programs Accounting and Administration, from Maryland's Department of Commerce, who will be joining us to provide brief remarks. Spend the evening with your fellow CDFA friends and colleagues in a casual and festive National Summit atmosphere.

• Darla Garrett, Director, Maryland Department of Commerce

Join CDFA as we kick off the 2024 National Development Finance Summit. We are excited to explore this year’s development finance hot topics, such as GGRF, bonds, tax credits, current market trends, access to capital, and the post-election federal landscape. We’re also delighted to dive into how Maryland has successfully enabled the reconstruction of critical infrastructure and the positive impact of their redevelopment projects. We invite you to attend a bit more relaxed, in business casual attire, sponsored by the Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA).

• Steve Johnson, Chief Operating Officer, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
• Jessica Milano, Chief Program Officer for the Office of Capital Access, U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Toby Rittner, President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is available to meet with conference attendees. These meetings must be scheduled prior to attending. If you would like to schedule a one-on-one meeting with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, please contact Lori DeWine at ldewine@cdfa.net.

Huge real estate and infrastructure projects in Baltimore are converging to reshape some of the city's most iconic areas. Redevelopment projects are underway in Fells Point, Rash Field, and Harbor East. All while Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott has launched a $3 billion initiative aimed at addressing Baltimore's vacant property challenges. His plan features an innovative noncontiguous Tax Increment Financing (TIF) zone and revitalizing the state’s industrial development authority. In today's dynamic economic landscape, communities face the ongoing challenge of fostering sustainable growth and prosperity. Redevelopment and revitalization initiatives emerge as powerful tools in this pursuit, offering transformative opportunities to revitalize underutilized areas, spur economic activity, and enhance overall quality of life. Join us for insights from local development finance experts as they discuss the details and potential impacts of these ambitious plans for Baltimore's future.

• Ira Weinstein, Principal, CohnReznick LLP

• Alan Cason, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP
• Stacy Freed, Executive Advisor to the Housing Commissioner, Baltimore City
• Keenan Rice, President, MuniCap, Inc.

In the ongoing effort to revitalize underserved communities and expand affordable housing options, New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) have emerged as a powerful financing tool. This session will explore the transformative potential of NMTC to expand opportunities for low-income communities facing significant challenges in accessing the capital needed for affordable housing and economic development projects. Whether you are a developer, financier, community leader, or policymaker, this session offers valuable insights into the power of NMTC to drive meaningful change in your community.

• Kevin Cooney, Partner, Frost Brown Todd LLP

• Colin Kalvas, Partner, Bricker Graydon
• Daniel Kolodner, Partner, Klein Hornig LLP
• Tony Smith, Executive Vice President, SB Friedman Development Advisors

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is a $10 billion program providing capitalization funds for small business financing and technical assistance programs. As of June 2023, Treasury has approved applications for capital programs representing over $8 billion in potential funding and Technical Assistance Grant Programs to states, territories, and tribal governments. During this session, jurisdictional program managers will present their strategies for distributing capital funds while also engaging and serving very small businesses and SEDI-owned businesses as their programs enter their third year.

• Carlton Schwab, President/Chief Executive Officer, Texas Economic Development Council

• Stephen Auvil, Chief Federal Engagement Officer, TEDCO
• Ann Finnegan, President, Grow America

Join us for an engaging session that delves into the diverse funding sources available for disaster recovery, focusing on non-profit organizations, SSBCI, and GGRF initiatives. Learn how to leverage these funding streams to support resilient community rebuilding and enhance recovery efforts. Our expert panel will share successful case studies and practical solutions, empowering you with the knowledge to navigate funding opportunities effectively. We invite you to join the conversation and explore innovative solutions to disaster recovery alongside key stakeholders.

• Martin Walke, Vice President, Louisiana Public Facilities Authority

• Jessie Handforth Kome, Director, CohnReznick LLP
• Josiah Keilson, Outreach Manager, U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Austin Root, Principal, Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.

Join CDFA and our partners at Lendistry and The Center by Lendistry for an in-depth conversation about equitable lending principles and their importance in today’s financial landscape. Speakers will explore strategies and best practices for creating more inclusive and accessible finance programs, provide actionable solutions for promoting fairness and equality in lending, and share diverse case studies highlighting successful equitable lending initiatives.

• Sisera Daniel, Partner, Kutak Rock LLP

• Dawn Medley, President & Chief Executive Officer, FSC First
• Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, President & CEO, The Center By Lendistry

During this insightful session, engage with experts on the latest capital market update and the evolving bond finance landscape. This session will cover key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the bond market, providing a comprehensive overview of current market conditions and future outlooks. Speakers will discuss capital market developments and performance, bond market analysis including interest rate trends, the impact of economic policies on bond finance, and case studies of successful and innovative bond financing projects.

• Daniel Boyers, Vice President, U.S. Bank

• Lynne Funk, Executive Editor, The Bond Buyer
• Teri Guarnaccia, Partner, Ballard Spahr LLP

Join us for lunch as we honor our Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Development Finance Agency award winners. Communities across the country have been profoundly impacted by the substantial work of these impressive individuals and state and local development finance agencies. Feeling fortunate for their extensive accomplishments in economic development, we are excited to celebrate the 2024 award winners!

• Chris Burnham, President, Development Finance Authority of Summit County
• Gregg Ghelfi, Executive Director, Arizona Finance Authority
• Holly Hunt, State Small Business Credit Initiative Program Manager, Georgia Department of Community Affairs
• Joann Massey, President & CEO, Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE)
• Jeff O'Brien, Executive Director, Louisville Metro Government
• John Saris, Credit Portfolio Manager, Development Capital Networks

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is available to meet with conference attendees. These meetings must be scheduled prior to attending. If you would like to schedule a one-on-one meeting with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, please contact Lori DeWine at ldewine@cdfa.net.

In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched two initiatives to boost clean technology financing across the country. The National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) allocates $14 billion to establish national clean financing institutions. These institutions collaborate with private investors and community organizations to offer affordable financing for clean tech projects. Additionally, the $6 billion Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) provides funding and support to community leaders in low-income areas to facilitate immediate project deployment and enhance long-term financing capacity. Join our expert panelists to discover how these historic funds can benefit your community through energy savings, job creation, and effective resource strategies.

• Brian Farnen, General Counsel/Assistant Professor of the Practice at Fairfield University, Connecticut Green Bank

• Manjima Bose, Director, CDFI Services Team, Baker Tilly
• Ray Daffner, Acting Program Director, Green Bank for Rural America
• Ted Kowalsky, Principal (Partner), Government & Public Sector Advisory, CohnReznick LLP
• Mary Scott Balys, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, Opportunity Finance Network

It’s an exciting time for small businesses in Maryland! Through state and federal funds of over $200 million, small businesses can access grants, loans, and investments from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the Maryland Department of Commerce. The State of Maryland is targeting investments to activate vacant spaces in business corridors and to support small businesses with start-up or expansion funds while creating jobs and increasing local economic activity. Join experts and those with boots on the ground to learn strategies you can bring to your community.

• Darla Garrett, Director, Maryland Department of Commerce

• Frank Dickson, Director, Strategic Business Initiatives, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
• Timothy Smoot, Senior Vice President, Meridian Management Group, Inc.

This session will dive into the practical applications and strategic benefits of bond financing and is designed to provide attendees with actionable insights on leveraging bonds to fund programs and improve operational efficiency. Speakers will share their experiences and best practices, looking at how bonds can effectively support and sustain a variety of development finance programs. This session will highlight strategies for integrating bonds into the capital stack, identifying opportunities for maximizing bond revenue and minimizing risks, bond issuance compliance and management, and diverse bond finance case studies.

• John Wooten, Head of Municipal Placements, Wells Fargo Securities

• Tom Sadowski, Executive Director, Maryland Economic Development Corporation
• James Snyder, Senior Principal, Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.
• Blair Sundell, Finance Officer, Business Oregon

Most low to moderate-income households in North America struggle with the critical shortage of medium-density housing. Since the mid-1940s, American cities have been characterized by low and high-density developments, with little in-between. Join the 2024 Caren S. Franzini Fellows as they share their recent research on the challenges communities face in addressing the shortage of affordable housing. The Fellows will present their findings and offer a framework to help stakeholders — developers, homeowners, and development finance professionals — overcome access to capital barriers in the “missing middle” housing sector and diversify the mix of development finance tools available.

• Steve Johnson, Chief Operating Officer, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority

• Victoria Benson, President, Community Ventures Corporation
• Charity Karanja, Attorney, Butler Snow LLP
• Brooke Kessler, Incentives Servicing Officer, New Jersey Economic Development Authority
• Kay Simmons, Economic Finance Specialist, Maryland Department of Commerce

Many tax credit programs exist at the federal, state, and local levels. These programs offer innovative solutions to address financing needs across various sectors - such as manufacturing and technology. During this session, we will explore how tax credits incentivize individuals and companies to engage in industries and projects and discuss the critical role this type of financing plays in our communities.

• Caleb Bell, Partner, Bricker Graydon

• Abigail McKnight, Tax Manager, Maryland Department of Commerce
• David Misky, Assistant Executive Director, City of Milwaukee

Creating equitable local and regional food systems requires understanding various finance tools - such as bonds, tax increment financing, tax credits, and revolving loan funds - that support food- and agriculture-related businesses and projects. The session will showcase a range of food system projects, from production to consumption, and explain why specific initiatives leverage different finance tools.

• Oreste Casciaro, Senior Vice President, Relationship Management, The Bank of New York Mellon

• Kevin Atticks, Secretary, Maryland Department of Agriculture
• Allison Roe, Financial Programs Officer, Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation

Close out the day with CDFA's President and CEO, Toby Rittner for an early evening of networking. Maryland Secretary of Housing & Community Development, Jake Day will provide remarks and attendees will have a chance to discuss their learnings from the National Summit topics so far. Grab a drink and mingle with Summit speakers and moderators, our sponsors, and CDFA staff and board members!

• Jake Day, Secretary, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

Join us for dinner with fellow attendees and CDFA Board Members at a variety of dining locations. Experience Baltimore's vibrant food scene at this dutch treat event and network with other development finance professionals from across globe.

Elections can bring change and uncertainty to the development finance industry. Grab some breakfast and join CDFA President & CEO Toby Rittner, Brian Egan, Director of Government Affairs for the National Association of Bond Lawyers, and Emily Brock, Director of the Government Finance Officers Association's Federal Liaison Center. This engaging conversation will explore how the 2024 election could impact development finance on Capitol Hill and within the next administration.

• Darla Garrett, Director, Maryland Department of Commerce

• Emily Brock, Director, Federal Liaison Center, Government Finance Officers Association
• Brian Egan, Director of Government Affairs, National Association of Bond Lawyers
• Toby Rittner, President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies

The federal grant application process is highly competitive, requiring significant time and planning before submission. With U.S. departments and agencies actively awarding federal funding for housing and energy projects, disaster recovery, infrastructure remediation, and more, communities have a wealth of capital at their disposal. Understanding how to navigate the available funding sources and preparing the necessary information well in advance is critical to the process. Join CDFA and subject matter experts for a federal grant writing session, focused on providing best practices on the various components of a federal grant application. Topics covered are project planning and timeline development, budgeting, establishing partnerships, and conducting the background research and assessments necessary to justify the investment. As the country prepares for a new presidential term, federal grant experts can give insights on how to adapt strategies to reflect changes in Washington. Speakers in this session will cover methods, themes, and trends to enable the writing of successful grant proposals for funding opportunities across federal agencies. Attendees will have a chance to share their challenges and ask questions during this workshop.

• Andres Caro, Manager, Council of Development Finance Agencies
• Fawn Zimmerman, Managing Director, CDFA Advisory Services, Council of Development Finance Agencies

• Joan Kato, Collaborative Campaign Director, GreenLatinos
• Emil Lisznianksy, Principal, Envision Group LLC
• Jarrod Loadholt, Partner, Ice Miller LLP
• Collin Willard, Grants Specialist/Grant Assistance Program, Biden School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware

The Inflation Reduction Act has launched a groundbreaking first-of-its-kind, national-scale program: the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) —a $27 billion investment to mobilize financing and private capital to address the climate crisis, ensure our country’s economic competitiveness, and promote energy independence while delivering lower energy costs and economic revitalization to communities that have historically been left behind. The GGRF will be implemented via three grant competitions--the $14 billion National Clean Investment Fund, the $6 billion Clean Communities Investment Accelerator, and the $7 billion Solar for All competition. Join program experts and award recipients as we explore the latest GGRF news, research, the U.S. EPA's updated program guidance and compliance standards, and information on each jurisdiction's Solar for All program to help you better understand the GGRF and stay up-to-date as awardees implement their proposals and invest in clean projects.

• Lori DeWine, Managing Director, Council of Development Finance Agencies

• Beth Bafford, Chief Executive Officer, Climate United
• Joel Cohn, Partner, CohnReznick LLP
• Daniel Marsh, President & CEO, Grow America