Louisville is working to close significant gaps in capital inflows compared to peer cities. A 2022 study revealed Louisville trails in several key funding areas, including a striking 91.14% deficit in Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) investment flows. FUSE Executive Fellow Vicky Harris will develop a comprehensive strategy to enhance Louisville’s CDFI ecosystem through stakeholder engagement, comparative analysis with benchmark communities, and assessment of current CDFI activities. This research will build upon existing findings from the Council of Development Finance Agencies to identify strengths and opportunities within Louisville’s financial landscape.
Harris will create a strategic plan to increase private and public capital inflow, identify new financing products that fill market gaps, leverage public financing authority for development opportunities, and recommend policy changes to enhance CDFI activity. By coordinating efforts among CDFIs, community development corporations, banks, and philanthropic organizations, this initiative aims to amplify collective impact in underserved neighborhoods. The resulting roadmap will align with Louisville’s “Growing Louisville Together” economic development plan, ultimately enabling more residents to participate in and benefit from wealth-building opportunities across the city.
