- Share
The Role of CDFIs in Lower-Income Communities
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
2:00–3:00 pm EDT
About the event
Join us for a discussion of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and how these mission-driven lenders support lower-income areas in various ways. We will explore key findings from the Cleveland Fed’s research and feature a panel of community and economic development experts who will explain how CDFIs can help strengthen local economies and revitalize neighborhoods.
The event aims to highlight how targeted investments in underserved areas can create more dynamic, economically vibrant communities.
Panelists will discuss
- How investments from CDFIs influence their community and economic development work
- How CDFIs can play a nonfinancial role in community and economic development by providing technical assistance, capacity building, and more
- The biggest opportunities and challenges for CDFIs
Audience members will be able to ask questions following the presentations.
Moderator
- Robert Brinkley, senior regional outreach manager, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Presenter
- Merissa Piazza, lead policy analyst, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Related resources
About Us
The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland (commonly known as the Cleveland Fed) is part of the Federal Reserve System, the central bank of the United States.
Community Development
Supporting low- and moderate-income communities in the Fourth District is a cornerstone of our mission at the Cleveland Fed. Find out how our Community Development team is promoting access to good jobs, housing, and credit for the residents within our district.
Beyond Investment: How CDFIs Support Community and Economic Development in Low- and Moderate-Income Areas
This report explores how community development financial institutions (CDFIs) support low- and moderate-income areas, offering not just investment, but also technical assistance, capacity building, and more.