OFN’s Inaugural National Policy Summit: Charting the Future of CDFI Advocacy
Strong bipartisan support was on display at OFN’s first policy gathering in Washington, D.C.
Read time: 6 minutes
OFN convened its first-ever National Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. on February 11-12—bringing together CDFI leaders, policymakers, congressional allies, and advocates to turn purpose into action. Across two days of Hill meetings, panel discussions, and shared strategy sessions, one message rang clear: the CDFI industry is organized, energized, and ready to shape what comes next.
Here’s a look at the moments and movements that defined the Policy Summit:
A CDFI Show of Force on the Hill
More than 80 CDFI advocates fanned out across Capitol Hill for over 60 meetings with key committee leadership, members of Congress, and staffers in the House and the Senate. Advocates pushed for level funding for the CDFI Fund with an increased set-aside for the Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) Program in Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, and apportionment of FY25 CDFI Fund dollars.
Perhaps most powerfully, advocates shared firsthand stories of what CDFIs are doing in communities across the country. It was a demonstration of an industry that shows up.
Sustained Bipartisan Momentum
Remarks from Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Small Business Administration (SBA) Associate Administrator Thomas Kimsey underscored that this work transcends party lines.
Associate Administrator Kimsey captured the moment with a picture of where small businesses stand today:
“Today, we see entrepreneurs who are energized, investing again, and ready to seize new opportunities in manufacturing, supply‑chain reshoring, and innovation. They are, as I like to say, spring‑loaded. And with the right tools, lower barriers, smarter programs, and stronger partnerships, they are ready to launch. That is the moment we’re in. A new chapter of American growth, built by small businesses, powered by lenders like you, and supported by an SBA that is focused on results.”
It’s a vision that aligns squarely with the CDFI industry’s mission and a signal that the partnership between CDFIs and federal agencies like the SBA has real room to grow. Additionally, senior staff from CDFI congressional champions on both sides of the aisle joined OFN Chief Public Policy Officer Dafina Williams for a candid conversation about what attracts bipartisan support and how the industry can continue deepening those relationships through education, engagement, and impact.
The Power of State Coalitions
A recurring theme throughout the Summit was the rising influence of state-level advocacy. Coalition leaders from California, Virginia, Washington, and Michigan shared how coordinated, unified advocacy fronts are advancing state partnerships, securing new funding streams, and complementing federal efforts. As the national landscape continues to shift, state coalitions are proving to be one of the field’s most powerful assets.
Small CDFIs, Big Impact
Impactful policy engagement doesn’t require a dedicated government affairs team, it requires relationships and authentic storytelling. Practical “playbooks” shared at the Summit gave small and mid-sized CDFIs a roadmap for meaningful advocacy engagement, proving that every CDFI, regardless of size, has a role to play in shaping the policy environment.
A Conversation with Minnesota CDFIs
One of the Summit’s most moving moments came from CDFI leaders on the ground in Minnesota, who offered a heartfelt account of how recent events have affected their communities and how CDFIs are stepping up as financial first responders for local businesses. Their stories were a reminder of why this work matters and what’s at stake.
Rural Revitalization: Elevating Place-Based Priorities
Rural CDFI leaders highlighted new and emerging opportunities in rural housing and community facilities, demonstrating how place-based lenders are successfully elevating rural priorities in the national conversation. As federal policy continues to evolve, rural CDFIs are making sure their communities aren’t left behind.
The Intersection of Storytelling and Data
Multiple sessions focused on the power of combining rigorous research with compelling narrative. Attendees walked away with practical resources and frameworks for communicating their impact to policymakers, funders, and new audiences—making the case for CDFIs in language that resonates and inspires.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Federal Outlook
The Summit closed with an eye toward the horizon. Key potential legislative vehicles for CDFI priorities were identified, along with emerging trends in housing and rural policy and anticipated regulatory modernization that will shape the advocacy landscape over the next year. The field is not waiting to see what happens, it is actively working to shape it.
The energy at OFN’s inaugural National Policy Summit reflected a field that is clear-eyed about the challenges ahead and committed to meeting them together. From Capitol Hill to state coalitions to rural communities, CDFIs are at the table — advocating, educating, and building the future of economic opportunity for all.
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