Community Development Bankers Association

‘Tis the season for peace and joy — and also for reflection. We look back on a year marked by change and challenge and are more grateful than ever for your partnership and dedication in meeting the moment together. We look forward to a prosperous and fulfilling 2026!

CDBA continues to engage Federal policymakers on matters of urgent importance, especially the delay in the release of the FY 2025 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the BEA Program and growing concerns that the Administration intends to impede the release of FY 2025 monies under the CDFI Program (Financial and Technical Assistance Awards) umbrella.

This past Friday, CDBA sent a policy brief to key members of Congress that demonstrates how the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) FY 2026 budget and projections for FY 2025 suggest that funding by Congress is being placed at risk of expiration. There is an urgent need for Congress to take action to prevent OMB from unlawfully withholding appropriated funds.

"Failure by OMB to release appropriated monies and/or approve paperwork needed by Treasury to implement the CDFI Fund’s programs will result in the expiration of the Treasury’s authority to obligate the money," the brief said. "Such an outcome is in direct conflict with Congressional authority and intent."

Our analyses helped inform our conversations with Claire Williams as she reported on the issue for yesterday's lead article in American Banker, "Trump Admin Lets Bank CDFI Program Wither on the Vine.”

Read CDBA’s policy brief and more in the most recent edition of the CDBA Newsflash: https://lnkd.in/eAV9MpTZ

CDBA Newsflash: Webinars, Peer Groups, Policy, and Practice

Thank you to all who contributed to the success of this year's CDBA Peer Forum!

This year's Advocacy Day was a record breaking event. CDBA members held 54 bipartisan, bicameral meetings on Capitol Hill.

-29 Republicans, 25 Democrats
-30 Representatives, 24 Senators

Overall, 150 bankers representing 59 CDFI and mission-focused banks travelled to Washington, D.C. for three days of advocacy, education, and networking. They were joined by 26 sponsor organizations and a wide range of industry allies who led and participated in this year's programming.

Takeaways from this year's conference:

-Congressional support for CDFI banks is strong and growing.
-Key members of the Administration acknowledge the value of CDFI banks.
-One of the CDFI industry's great strengths is its adaptability and resilience, even in the most pressurized political and economic climates.

It's never too early to start planning for next year! Mark your calendars for June 2-4, 2026.