Join former Federal Reserve Vice Chairs Lael Brainard and Randal Quarles for the launch of the Urban Institute’s Center for Local Finance and Growth, which will equip leaders with evidence and tools to strengthen local economies.

The launch event will spark conversation on how communities can attract and deploy capital to drive growth. Through candid discussions with local and federal policymakers and mission finance leaders, attendees can expect an exploration of how to navigate the new opportunities created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, make communities investment ready, and ensure local growth delivers economic benefits for all.  

Convenings like this one represent the center’s mission—to serve as a trusted resource for the community economic development sector. Through data-driven analysis, strategic advising, and cross-sector convening, the center accelerates solutions that expand capital access and ensure more places have the resources to thrive. Join us as we help leaders in rural, suburban, and urban communities build affordable housing, grow small businesses, and meet residents’ needs.

Opening Remarks

• Sarah Rosen Wartell, President, Urban Institute

Taking Stock of Local Economic Growth and the Outlook for Place-Based Investment

• Brett Theodos, Director, Center for Local Finance and Growth, Urban Institute

The Evolution of Federal Place-Based Policy and the Opportunity Ahead

• Lael Brainard, Former Director, National Economic Council; Former Vice Chair, Federal Reserve
• Randal Quarles, Chairman and Founder, Cynosure Group; Former Vice Chair, Federal Reserve
• Sarah Rosen Wartell, President, Urban Institute (moderator)

The Role of Mission Finance in Advancing an Economy for All

• Laura Brunner, President and CEO, The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority
• Bradford Davy, Former Chief of Staff, Office of Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb
• Jennifer Hayes, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, Invest Detroit
• Ryan Ramkhelawan, Vice President of Venture Development, Start Co.; Cofounder and Managing Partner, Innovation Exchange Coalition
• Dennis Price, CEO, ImpactAlpha (moderator)

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event. 

This event is supported by programmatic funding for the Center for Local Finance and Growth, a knowledge hub to drive the community economic development and mission finance sectors forward. For more on Urban’s funding policies, go to urban.org/about/organizational-principles.