Access to Fair Financing for Opportunity and Resilient Development Act

The CDFI program has operated since 1994 and is documented to have increased lending to low-income and minority borrowers; this bill expands that proven mechanism. The $50 million Native CDFI set-aside creates a first dedicated funding stream for Indigenous lenders focused on tribal communities—no direct precedent exists in federal statute, though Native American lending gaps are well-documented (Native Americans have lower homeownership rates and face credit access barriers). The expanded bond guarantee cap to $1 billion and loan purchase authority allows the CDFI Fund to function more like traditional secondary markets (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac for conventional mortgages), potentially increasing sustainable lending capacity. The 3-year evaluation requirement will provide empirical data on whether Native CDFIs increase homeownership in tribal areas or whether demand differs from supply projections. Treasury testimony requirements increase congressional oversight and transparency but do not directly affect lending outcomes.