Why It Matters

The Opportunity Finance Network is lobbying to protect federal support for community development finance amid an acute national housing crisis. With 22.6 million renters cost-burdened and median home prices 5.0 times median household income, OFN’s push for LIHTC expansion and CDFI Fund appropriations addresses a widening affordability gap.

The lobbying reflects genuine threats: the CDFI Fund was nearly eliminated during recent government turmoil, making S. 2674—the CDFI Fund Transparency Act—critical for program stability. OFN’s strategy leverages bipartisan momentum: the ROAD to Housing Act passed Senate Banking unanimously, creating legislative pathways for OFN’s priorities.

By the Numbers

OFN spent $60,000 on in-house lobbying in Q4 2025, continuing advocacy operations maintained since 2003. The organization employs three in-house lobbyists with distinct expertise: Harry John Glenn brings 14+ years of Capitol Hill experience including House Appropriations Committee chief of staff experience; Dafina Williams has focused on OFN priorities since 2015 across 45 disclosures totaling over $2.1 million; and Mary Scott Balys joined in 2022 with local government appropriations experience.

The Agenda

OFN is lobbying on interconnected issues central to expanding capital access for underserved communities. On appropriations, they’re securing funding for the CDFI Fund and Small Business Administration through the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2026.

On housing, OFN advocates for four major bills: the Rural Housing Services Reform Act, ROAD to Housing Act, Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, and Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act—all expanding affordable housing supply and tax credits.

For transparency, OFN supports the CDFI Fund Transparency Act, requiring annual congressional testimony from the CDFI Fund director.

Broader Context

The CDFI Fund faces uncertainty after Trump administration eliminated entire staff in October 2025, though staff were later reinstated. Marketplace reported the fund "was almost wiped out during the government shutdown."

Meanwhile, Harvard’s 2025 housing report shows 50% of renters are cost-burdened and homelessness spiked 33 percent since 2020. The ROAD to Housing Act passed Senate Banking 24-0, while House passed rural housing reforms in February 2026.

Competitive Landscape

OFN joins other organizations advocating for community development finance. New Jersey Community Capital has lobbied on CDFI Fund issues and the ROAD to Housing Act, while Greater Cleveland Partnership focuses on CDFI and New Markets Tax Credit programs. This coalition amplifies support across Congress for community development finance policies.

The Bottom Line

OFN is deploying experienced lobbyists to secure federal funding and protections for community development finance amid housing crisis and CDFI Fund threats. Their agenda aligns with active bipartisan legislation, positioning the organization within a broader coalition pursuing similar objectives on Capitol Hill.

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