California Community-Owned Real Estate (CalCORE) 2024 Fresno Convening

Community development groups from across the state gathered in Fresno, California from February 21-23 for our latest CalCORE convening. An initiative developed by Community Vision and Genesis LA, CalCORE works to advance locally owned and controlled real estate through virtual and in-person educational sessions, along with one-on-one project support, for developers of color deeply rooted in their communities.

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Updates to the Board of Directors

Community Vision is excited to share some recent updates to our board of directors, including a new chair and a new member.   Announcing Our New Board Chair We are pleased to announce Anita Addison as our new board chair as of January 24, 2024. Addison is the Chief of Planning and Strategic Advancement for…

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The Bay Area Racial Equity Fund: Looking Back at 0% Lending One Year Later

BayREF provided more than $2 million of 0% loans and free financial management advising to BIPOC-led nonprofits responding at the forefront of the pandemic. One year after the last loan closed, 100% of BayREF’s borrowers are current, and the default rate across the portfolio is 0%. We look forward to sharing our insights as we continue to learn from this pilot program.

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Visionary Home Builders

Not Just Housing: Creating Opportunities for Central Valley Neighborhoods to Thrive As Community Vision partners with communities to create flourishing neighborhoods and build economic power, one of the most important needs to address is housing. Access to quality and affordable living spaces is a key pillar for healthier and safer neighborhoods, and opening the door…

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Community Vision Welcomes Luis A. Rodriguez to Board of Directors

Community Vision is thrilled to welcome Luis A. Rodriguez to our Board of Directors. Mr. Rodriguez is in private practice as an attorney and consultant working on legal and public policy issues within the areas of affordable housing, economic development, tax exempt organizations, climate change and racial equity and inclusion policy measures. He assists organizations who are dedicated to working with low income communities and communities of color.

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Oakstop Achieves Milestone: Black-Owned Coworking Space in Downtown Oakland

Oakstop has reached an incredible milestone by purchasing their first building, 1721 Broadway, in downtown Oakland. This acquisition marks a significant step in their mission to provide affordable workspace and cultural programming to local entrepreneurs and artists. Learn how this Black-owned coworking space is fostering stability, growth, and long-term social and economic impact.

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Investor Spotlight: Ilana Schatz and David Lingren

Ilana and David began investing with Community Vision—then still named the Northern California Community Loan Fund—in 2004. After several years of involvement as investors, Ilana stepped into a new role with Community Vision as a member of the Board of Directors in 2010, bringing 30 years of experience in community program development. 
During her eight-year tenure on the board, Ilana served on both the Development and Food Programs committees. As a passionate advocate for building more equitable food systems, Ilana helped guide and support Community Vision’s food-related investments and programs. 

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The School of Arts and Culture: Creative Place-Keeping in East San Jose

The threat of displacement in East San Jose neighborhoods is all too real. But a local nonprofit, the School of Arts and Culture (SOAC) at the Mexican Heritage Plaza (La Plaza), is reimagining space and creative place-keeping in their community. With a vision to boost economic vitality, expand cultural programming and bring much needed services to the community, SOAC is acquiring and transforming a mostly vacant line of storefronts in their community.

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