“The Native CDFI Network is the largest membership organization for Native CDFIs and serves as the leading advocacy voice for the Native CDFI industry. It is crucial that we take the lead in advocating for Native CDFIs. This week, rather than rushing to express our opinions just to be the first, NCN took a moment to reflect. This week I traveled across Wisconsin, listening to the Native communities and CDFIs we represent and engaging with Native CDFI leaders. In my conversations, I found that while many are concerned, there is no panic; we are accustomed to facing uphill battles. Native Americans are survivors, and we understand what lies ahead in the coming days and months—challenges that are nothing new to Indian Country, given our history. With challenges come great opportunities, and we are actively looking for those opportunities in today’s state of the nation.
In light of this week’s election results, we recognize that there may be questions and concerns about the future of the CDFI Fund, the CDFI industry, and NCN’s Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) Program. We want to reassure our members that NCN is actively identifying opportunities and challenges while developing a strategic plan to work with the new administration. Importantly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fully allocated the $400 million CCIA award to NCN, and most of this funding has already been securely deposited into NCN’s account, ready for distribution to our network of 63 Community Lenders.
NCN is committed to being the leading national voice for Native CDFIs because no organization understands our communities better than the collective voices of the Native CDFI Network. We work within our communities, and no other group can serve our communities like Native CDFIs do. We will continue to advocate for the Native CDFI industry and implement the CCIA program to meet the clean energy financing needs of Tribal Nations and Native communities. Regardless of changes in administration, we are moving forward with confidence and dedication to achieving the goals of the CCIA program and addressing the needs of our members and Native communities.
As we move forward, I encourage you to take some time in the coming days to get outdoors, spend time with family, and pause to reflect on what truly matters—your loved ones. Another way you can take action is to join us at NCN as we continue to advocate, seek opportunities, and develop our short-term policy priorities for 2025 and beyond. Become a member today: Join NCN.”
Pete Upton, CEO, Native CDFI Network