Capitalizing Change
2024 Impact Report
Letter from the CEO
As I reflect on this past year, I can’t help but zoom out and think about the incredible journey we’ve been on over the last five years. While our roots stretch back more than two decades, it’s in these recent years that CFE - and our entire sector - have stepped into a new kind of leadership in the fight for inclusive economic growth.
At CFE, we’ve risen to the moment, more than doubling our assets, tripling our lending portfolio, and deploying nearly $200 million into our region's economy. But the real story isn’t in the numbers, it’s in the lives we’ve touched.
Over the last half a decade alone, we have helped create nearly 3,000 safe, healthy, and affordable homes for families to thrive. We have partnered with over 100 entrepreneurs and organizations to turn vision into reality, provided down payment assistance to help dozens of local families become homeowners, and accelerated the adoption of clean energy technologies that bring both environmental and financial benefits to our communities.
Most importantly, through these initiatives, we’ve directly impacted more than 50,000 people. That’s 50,000 reasons to believe in the power of our work.
Of course, none of this would be possible without our extraordinary team, the trust of our partners, and the strong financial foundation we’ve built together. That’s why this year’s Impact Report is more than a set of stats; it’s a story of what’s possible when we act with purpose and unity.
As I look ahead, I recognize that change can feel daunting. But it also brings opportunity, especially for organizations like ours, that are built to serve, adapt, and lead with purpose. To everyone who’s been part of this journey - our board, our team, our clients, and our partners - thank you.
As we move forward, we will not only adapt to change; we will capitalize on it.

Chief Executive Officer
Quantifying Our Growth
Half a decade of transformation



Who We Are
City First Enterprises (CFE) is people-focused, history-informed, and data-driven. We are members of and experts in the communities we serve. As a mission-focused nonprofit lender, we get capital where it makes the most impact—for you, your family, and your community to thrive.

Vision
All people and communities transform their futures through equitable access to capital.
Our Mission
We create equitable financial solutions to support people and communities in achieving their economic aspirations.
2024 Impact in Action



Foundations of Stability through Affordable Housing




Democratizing the Transition to Clean Energy
One project, in partnership with the DC Green Bank, involved financing solar panels for a church in Ward 7. Within just two months of installation, this led to cost savings of over $8,000 and reduced the church's carbon footprint.
In 2025, CFE will be strategically positioned to support vital clean energy projects, acting as a catalyst at the intersection of clean energy and community development.
Project Highlight
Catalyzing Community Growth
Small businesses and community facilities are the pulse of our neighborhoods, connecting people through shared spaces and community. Small businesses are vital to the local economy, creating jobs and fostering innovation. Community facilities, like schools, childcare centers, and health clinics, play a crucial role in providing essential education and healthcare services. However, these vital entities often face significant challenges in securing financing, a problem that disproportionately affects businesses and institutions owned by women and people of color.
This year, we continued to support businesses and facilities in our communities with creative financial solutions, such as capital stacking. We facilitated access to various funding sources, including government grant programs like the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund, established by the District. By administering these grants, we provided crucial down payment assistance to DC small business owners for commercial real estate, significantly enhancing their ability to secure and grow their businesses.


Expanding Access to Homeownership
Homeownership is one of the most powerful tools for building wealth over time. However, disparities persist along racial lines: 2020 census data shows that 74% of white households own their homes, compared to 50% of Hispanic households and 46% of Black households.
In response, Homes by CFE created a down payment assistance program to help bridge this gap and ensure equitable access to homeownership. In 2024, Homes by CFE supported 24 Black and Latino families to purchase their first homes through our Down Payment Assistance Special Purpose Credit Program. This innovation is transforming the lives of low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers like Pamala, a young woman putting down roots for the first time after spending her own childhood constantly on the move with her parents in the military.



Thank you for joining us on this journey
Board of Directors
Our success is guided by the leadership and dedication of our esteemed Board of Directors.
Oswaldo Acosta
President and CEO, City First Enterprises
Brian Argrett, Chair
President and CEO, City First Bank
Lori Chatman
President, Capital Division, Enterprise Community Partners
Annie Donovan, Secretary
President and CEO, Raza Development Fund
Priya Jayachandran
CEO, National Housing Trust
Amber Kuchar-Bell
EVP, Chief Program Officer, Opportunity Finance Network
William Longbrake
Executive in Residence, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of
Maryland
Estrella Lucero
Attorney, Goldfarb & Lipman
David McGrady, Vice-Chair
Community Development Consultant
Cantwell F. Muckenfuss (Emeritus)
Clinical Lecturer in Law, Yale University
Shannon Scott, Treasurer
· Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association
Munevver Yolas, CFA
Executive Vice President, Commercial Real Estate & Capital Markets,National Cooperative Bank, N.A.