Research

Through sustained collaboration, strategic investment, and a strong focus on outcomes, The Coalition’s DC Community Anchor Partnership has reshaped the way major institutions in Washington, DC think about procurement. Since its launch in 2017, DCAP has helped drive more than a billion dollars in institutional spending to DC Small Business Enterprises (SBEs). That number represents real contracts, real revenue, and real jobs. And it proves that institutions can boost competition and cost-savings while creating economic opportunity locally.

The Coalition developed this playbook as a practical strategy guide for anchor institutions, economic
development leaders, or funders looking to expand economic opportunity through institutional procurement. It also delves into the day-to-day methods that DCAP uses to help anchor institutions achieve their goals.

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) experienced significant growth following federal and state COVID-19 relief programs, with small businesses particularly benefiting from their support during the pandemic. The pandemic amplified the crucial role CDFIs play in addressing socioeconomic disparities by providing access to capital for marginalized communities, a vital component of local economic development. As demand for financial services in low-income and minority communities rises, the CDFI industry is well-positioned for growth. However, many CDFIs face challenges such as limited access to capital, visibility, and capacity. CDFI Coalitions have emerged as effective solutions to addressing these issues, allowing organizations to leverage resources to elevate visibility, advocate for policies, and collaborate towards collective goals.

This report provides perspectives on the work of CDFI Coalitions to inform the creation of a DC CDFI Coalition.

The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED), at the behest of The Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Council), studied the outcomes and impacts of the District of Columbia’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) and its antecedents from 1975-2021 in order to evaluate the extent to which TOPA has fulfilled the legislative objectives and purposes set out in the Rental Housing Conversion and Sale Act of 1980 and provided recommendations for how the District can improve the ability of tenant organizations to successfully exercise their TOPA rights to achieve these purposes. The D.C. Council has also funded this study.

This snapshot presents highlights of the key findings gleaned from the online survey that we conducted of local job developers.

CNHED, in partnership with LISC Twin Cities, assisted with the development of an opportunity to purchase policy to support the City of Minneapolis’ goals of preserving housing stability, preventing involuntary displacement, and creating tenant ownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income Minneapolis renters.