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3/31/2023

READOUT: Treasurer Chief Malerba, CDFI Fund Director Harris Visit Native Community Financial Institutions in Washingt…

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
READOUT: Treasurer Chief Malerba, CDFI Fund Director Harris
Visit Native Community Financial Institutions in Washington
State to Discuss Access to Capital for Tribal Nations and
Underserved Communities
March 29, 2023

SEATTLE – On Tuesday, March 28 and Wednesday, March 29, Treasurer of the United States
Chief Lynn Malerba and Director of Treasuryʼs Community Development Financial Institutions
Fund (CDFI Fund) Jodie Harris visited the Quinault Indian Nation and Lummi Nation in
Washington State to meet with Tribal leadership and discuss Tribal economic priorities. The
Treasury o icials toured the reservations, their Community Development Financial Institutions
(CDFIs), CDFI-financed projects, and Native-owned businesses benefiting from federal
funding. CDFIs are mission-based and community-focused lending organizations that expand
economic opportunity in low-income communities. Alongside other programs, the CDFI Fund
operates a Native American CDFI Assistance Program (NACA), which provides funding to
institutions designated as Native CDFIs. Nationwide, there are nearly 1,400 CDFIs serving
urban, rural, and Native communities. In the State of Washington, there are 28 CDFIs with
total assets of nearly $20 billion.
Through the Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP), Treasury is making investments in
banks and credit unions that are certified as CDFIs or designated as Minority Depository
Institutions (MDIs). Through ECIP, the Treasury Department has made over $8.38 billion in
investments in 170 community financial institutions to support the provision of loans and
other investments for small businesses, minority-owned businesses, and households in lowincome communities – the largest-ever government investment in CDFIs and MDIs.
Investing in CDFIs is just one way the Treasury Department is working to expand access to
capital for Tribal nations and other underserved communities. The American Rescue Plan,
signed into law two years ago, included $30 billion in funding for Tribal nations to help them
recover from the pandemic and invest in long-term community development – the largestever single infusion of federal funding into Indian Country. This funding includes over $700
million allocated to Tribal governments through ARPʼs expansion of the State Small Business
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1378

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3/31/2023

READOUT: Treasurer Chief Malerba, CDFI Fund Director Harris Visit Native Community Financial Institutions in Washingt…

Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which aims to expand access to capital and create high-quality jobs,
with a focus in underserved communities. The Treasury Department is currently in the process
of reviewing and approving Tribal SSBCI applications. So far, Tribal governments have planned
or begun implementing over 3,000 projects using ARP funds which are providing essential
services to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for millions of Tribal citizens.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1378

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