This panel will look at different strategies for financing communities and organizations based on principles of economic democracy. Panelists will explore revolving loan funds, crowdfunding, public banks and other financial innovations as they work toward advancing economic democracy. The role of government regulations and programs will also be considered.

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Over the last 25 years, community development financial institutions (CDFIs) have emerged as a highly regarded innovation in providing capital to low-income communities. They have achieved extraordinary bipartisan support in Congress, overcoming calls by the Trump Administration to cease federal support. What are the scope, limitations, and transformative potential of this field, which provides capital in various forms through varied institutions: banks, credit unions, nonprofit loan funds, and venture funds?