Policy and Advocacy

Overview

Public policy professionals are the link between the community development finance field and the legislative and regulatory frameworks that shape it. They translate real-world experiences—such as a small business owner struggling to access capital or a housing developer navigating complex tax credit programs—into policy recommendations that remove barriers and strengthen the capacity of CDFIs.

These practitioners work across local, state, and federal levels to ensure community needs are reflected in policy and funding decisions. Their efforts combine advocacy and education: they help lawmakers and regulators understand how technical changes to funding formulas or regulations affect CDFIs, while also building coalitions that elevate the voices of community lenders in policy conversations.

CDFIs navigate a complex policy environment with funding sources and programs at the federal, state, and local levels. At the federal level, this includes the CDFI Fund within the U.S. Treasury Department, which is a primary source of certification and financial support for the industry. Policy professionals help their organizations make sense of this environment, advance priorities, and secure resources that expand access to capital.

OFN Board group photo on grass in front of Capitol Building

What Do Public Policy Professionals Do?

Develop policy agendas. Shape organizational priorities at the federal, state, and local levels.
Monitor regulatory activity. Track proposals and submit comments on rules that affect CDFIs and community development programs.
Research and analyze legislation. Assess how policy and appropriations impact housing, small business, community health, and other sectors.
Create advocacy materials. Draft briefs, testimony, and position papers that translate field experience into clear policy recommendations.
Build and manage coalitions. Collaborate with peer CDFIs, nonprofits, and community stakeholders to amplify shared priorities.
Engage with policymakers. Conduct meetings, briefings, and educational sessions with elected officials and agency staff.
Coordinate advocacy campaigns. Mobilize stakeholders through outreach, letters of support, and coordinated messaging around key issues.

Key Skills and Sample Job Titles

Communication Skills

Policy professionals translate complex legislative and regulatory information into clear, actionable insights. They create briefs, testimony, and reports that inform internal teams, policymakers, and stakeholders while also advocating effectively for CDFIs’ priorities.

Professional Development Resources

Policy Tools from OFN

OFN members can access materials and content from OFN’s public policy team, including:

OFN’s Policy Action Center

Find Resources

Trainings

Explore OFN’s growing course catalog of training, designed to help enhance the knowledge and skills you need to make greater impact in your role. Training specifically for lending practitioners includes:

Advocacy 101

Learn More

Peer Learning

Connect and collaborate with peers on policy and advocacy issues in the dedicated Public Policy community on CDFI Connect—an online networking and knowledge-sharing platform for the industry.

Starting in 2026, OFN will host an annual Policy Summit to support the work of CDFI public policy and advocacy practitioners. Stay tuned for more details!

Learn More

Faces of the Industry

“As Public Affairs Lead, I talk with policy makers at the local and state level about the importance of community lenders such as Craft3 for individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits, communities, and Tribes underserved by the traditional banking system. Our work as a CDFI has a positive impact on people’s lives and it is rewarding to share these stories with policy makers in Oregon and Washington.”
— Seth Greenfest, Public Affairs Lead, Craft3

“What I appreciate most about my role in policy and advocacy at Inclusive Action for the City is the opportunity to help transform economic and financial systems to be more accountable, inclusive, and community-driven...It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to sustainable development and witness the direct impact in our local communities.”
— Luz Castro, Associate Director, Policy, Inclusive Action for the City

“I knew from my experience on Capitol Hill that access to capital has the power to transform lives and change the trajectory of entire communities. CDFIs like Cinnaire drive that change — and smart policy has a huge role in that work. It's a privilege to help connect the dots between impact and policy.”
— Chris Neary SVP, Policy, Research and Advocacy, Cinnaire

“The work that we do at Invest Detroit and the impact we have on our community really drives me. One of my favorite aspects of my role is seeing the impact our policy initiatives have on our CDFI community and being able to collaborate with partners across the state on this work. I'm excited to see what we accomplish next!”
— Jenn Hayes SVP, Public Policy, Invest Detroit

“Growing up in Arkansas, I've seen talent in places capital ignores. At a time when rural communities are often overlooked, CDFIs invest in businesses, homes, and infrastructure for the people and places that are the fabric of our country's identity and economy”
— Coleman Warren, Public Policy Coordinator, Communities Unlimited

“I appreciate the opportunity to reimagine and reshape historic systems for the modern era and expand their potential to uplift all Americans. We all want to see more homes built, more families gain stability, and more investment in our neighborhoods. CDFIs serve as a unifying force rooted in the expansion of economic mobility for all.”
— Ryan Sears, Policy and Advocacy Lead, Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services, Inc.

“What I appreciate most about my policy role is being able to share our members' powerful stories at the federal level to help ensure CDFIs have the resources they need to continue uplifting small businesses, affordable housing, and more in their communities.”
— Lily Jin, Associate, Public Policy, Opportunity Finance Network