Notes from L.A. Opportunity Zones Forum

  • Posted by David Lynn
  • On December 4, 2018
  • In News
Note: For a primer on Opportunity Zones, see our earlier post that outlined the spirit of the legislation, California’s strategy to designate eligible census tracts, and what issues we all should be sensitive to moving forward. Last week I had the opportunity to be one of the speakers at the Los Angeles Opportunity Zones Forum: […]
Read More
Share:

What’s happening with Opportunity Zones?

An interesting piece of legislation included in 2017’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the Opportunity Zones program. We’ve been digging in with colleagues across the country on how this can drive investment into neighborhoods that need it. So what’s the scoop? The Opportunity Zones program is a once in a lifetime legislative change to […]
Read More
Share:

MAAC Creates Pathways to Healthier San Diego Families

This month I sat down with Shreya Shah Sasaki, our COO and resident social determinants of health nerd, to discuss her work with local nonprofit MAAC. Shreya has a Masters in Public Health and provides invaluable insight into improving health outcomes through social change. She joined the board of MAAC in November of last year […]
Read More
Share:

NPR: Breaking The Cycle Of Disinvestment In Lower-Income Communities

Recently, our co-founder and Director of Community Engagement Lauren Grattan sat down with NPR to talk about discrepancies in access to capital for lower-income communities and how we can level the playing field. We’re delighted that national media is looking for bright spots of what’s working so we can scale inclusive community growth with sensible […]
Read More
Share:

Milken Opportunity Zone Takeaways

This last week of February I was lucky enough to be able to participate in two days of Milken Institute convenings in Oakland. Our conversations centered around affordable housing, opportunity zones, and how local and statewide policies in California can be structured to influence positive outcomes. Milken’s Financial Innovation Lab discussions are held under confidential […]
Read More
Share:

Optimistic about Opportunity Zones in San Diego

On the first Saturday of this month, Black History Month, I had the privilege of joining Indivisible WATU for their annual Women of Color Roar breakfast celebrating, encouraging, and empowering each other to step into leadership and public service. With a panel of powerhouse elected officials, and more seated in front of them, for many […]
Read More
Share:

Collaborative Approach Unlocks $12MM Project Transforming Youth Lives 

Mission Driven Finance, Civic San Diego, and Alliance Healthcare Foundation provide critical funding for nonprofit Access Youth Academy’s new athletic and academic facility in Southeast San Diego FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: Lauren Grattan | 858-880-0252 | lauren@missiondrivenfinance.com (SAN DIEGO)—January 15, 2019—Mission Driven Finance recently announced a coordinated investment with Civic San Diego and Alliance […]
Read More
Share:

Aligning with Islamic Financing Principles to Create Economic Opportunity

Mission Driven Finance is delighted to support Somali Family Service of San Diego, one of the cornerstones of our refugee community, with culturally-sensitive bridge financing designed in line with Islamic principles. As an impact investment firm empowering community through new models of investing in social change, we embraced the challenge of finding a solution that […]
Read More
Share:

Legacy Arts: Intentional Impact Investing

We were delighted to share with Legacy Arts Magazine how impact investing can support wealth managers, financial planners, and advisors to offer their clients new strategies to craft a legacy with meaning. Many charitably-minded individuals are turning to impact investing to generate real social and environmental change in their communities, while simultaneously supporting their financial […]
Read More
Share:

Our Thoughts on San Diego’s Business Incentive Program

  • Posted by Lauren Grattan
  • On April 27, 2018
  • In News
Yesterday, colleagues from Business For Good San Diego and I gave public testimony at the Economic Development & Intergovernmental Relations Committee (ED&IR) of the San Diego City Council as they reviewed proposed updates to the City’s Business Incentive Program [900-12] — a policy that hasn’t changed in 17 years despite significant changes in our regional […]
Read More
Share: