Empowering organizations to build inclusive, sustainable, thriving communities through community reinvestment and development initiatives for over three decades.
Through strategic guidance and innovative solutions, our goal is to transform underserved communities across the US by assisting our clients in implementing leading-edge strategies in community development lending, services, and investments.
Empowering Positive Community Impact through Expertise and Integrity
At Community Reinvestment Advisors, we are not just consultants; we are catalysts for change. Together, we can build inclusive, sustainable, thriving communities that benefit everyone. Join us in creating a better future where communities flourish, businesses succeed, and individuals reach their full potential.
Our Services
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Ensure adherence to Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulations. Develop, review, and optimize CRA programs.
Conduct CRA examinations, audits, and manage associated risks.
Create and implement strategic CRA plans.
Design and execute Community Benefits Plans.
Analyze and report on CRA performance.
Foster community engagement, involvement, and volunteerism.
Train and build internal capacity for CRA staff.
Develop and review policies and procedures.
Verify CRA, HMDA, and Community Development data.
Evaluate and optimize retail branch network.
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Provide expert advice on the management of LIHTC and affordable housing assets.
Perform site visits and assess property conditions.
Create asset management plans.
Analyze financial statements and monitor KPIs. .
Review operating and replacement reserve requests.
Develop and oversee capital improvement plans.
Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and assign risk ratings.
Provide support and strategies for tenant lease-up to maximize occupancy rates.
Analyze and improve operational efficiencies to reduce costs and enhance performance.
Develop strategies to optimize investment returns and tax benefits.
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Facilitate merger and acquisition due diligence.
Implement Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreements.
Engage in government affairs, collaborate with officials, and lobby for change.
Advocate for underserved communities.
Develop Public-Private Partnerships, including Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategies.
Drive national expansion of Community Development Initiatives.
Collaborate with community and economic development organizations at local, regional, and national levels.
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Facilitate access to capital for small businesses.
Develop and raise capital for investment funds.
Cultivate strategic banking relationships.
Provide financial literacy education and support personal credit building.
Specialize in grant writing for local, national, and government grants.
Offer executive and career coaching, particularly for the first 90 days.
Develop and deliver Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs.
Support small and minority business start-ups and development.
Promote Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
Engage in public relations, public speaking, and thought leadership on CRA.
“I have known and worked with Norman Bliss for years, and I wholeheartedly attest to his exceptional expertise and unwavering commitment to community reinvestment. As Senior Vice President at Bank of the West, his leadership secured the bank's first "Outstanding" CRA rating, a testament to his consistent track record of achievement in an evolving banking landscape.”
Nandita Bakhshi, Former President and Chief Executive Officer Bank of the West, Special Advisor, and Board Member BMO Bank N.A.