In this episode of Capitol Gains, hosts Matt Posner and James McIntyre explore the pivotal role Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are playing in driving the clean energy transition. As CDFIs shift from their traditional focus on affordable housing and small business lending, they are stepping up to help deploy billions of dollars from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) under the Inflation Reduction Act. Joining the discussion is Oswaldo Acosta, CEO of City First Enterprises, who shares insights on how CDFIs are uniquely positioned to democratize access to the green economy.

Acosta explains how CDFIs, with their deep community ties, are bridging the equity gap in clean energy finance, ensuring that historically underserved communities can benefit from the clean energy revolution. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear about the challenges and opportunities CDFIs face in scaling up for this new role, including developing innovative financial products, navigating federal regulations, and building partnerships with commercial banks and private investors.

The views expressed are solely those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or other associated parties.

Adam Linder of Bespoken Podcasts edited this episode.