2026 CCLF ANNUAL MEETING

Rick Guzman, Executive Director, The Neighbor Project and CCLF Board Member, welcoming guests to CCLF’s Annual Meeting

Each year, the Chicago Community Loan Fund brings together investors, funders, borrowers, community partners, board members, and staff for its Annual Meeting to reflect on the organization’s performance, celebrate key accomplishments, and share its vision for the future. The meeting provides an opportunity to review CCLF’s financial results, strategic priorities, and major development initiatives while highlighting the impact of its lending through the stories of borrowers whose projects have strengthened communities across the region.

CCLF’s 2026 Annual Meeting was held on May 14 at DePaul University in downtown Chicago and welcomed 85 attendees. The morning began with registration, breakfast, and networking, giving participants an opportunity to connect before the formal program.

The meeting opened with welcoming remarks from Rick Guzman, a member of the CCLF Board of Directors and Chair of the External Relations Committee. Guzman outlined the morning’s agenda, recognized the organization’s accomplishments highlighted in the Annual Report, and thanked CCLF’s Board of Directors for their continued leadership and commitment to community development throughout the Chicago region.

CCLF President Bob Tucker followed with remarks highlighting CCLF’s strategic priorities and long-term vision. He thanked attendees for their continued partnership and outlined CCLF’s current strategic plan, which focuses on strengthening the organization’s infrastructure to become stronger, faster, and better while reinforcing its position as one of Chicago’s leading community development lenders. A key objective of the plan is to increase annual lending volume by 50 percent, reaching at least $60 million in new loans by 2028.

Bob Tucker, CCLF President expressing appreciation to all funders, investors, staff and partners.

James Norris, Director of Lending Operations, moderated a conversation featuring four entrepreneurs and community leaders behind three projects financed by CCLF: Dr. Brenda T. Thompson and Dr. Nikia Sledge of E.M. Branch and Associates; LeVar Love of Rosie Investment Corporation; and Bridgette Flagg of Soulé.

Dr. Thompson and Dr. Sledge reflected on the legacy of their family mental health practice, sharing insights into the challenges and opportunities they encountered while expanding their organization and bringing their project to fruition. Love discussed his journey as a housing developer, highlighting the lessons learned through the acquisition and rehabilitation of 1-to-4-unit residential properties since founding Rosie Investment Corporation in 2018. Flagg shared the story behind the creation and growth of Soulé, a Creole-inspired soul food restaurant that has become a valued community asset and gathering place.

James Norris, Director of Lending Operations and CCLF borrower panel

Throughout the discussion, panelists explored the evolving challenges affecting their respective industries and markets, including shifting customer needs, changing community development conditions, rising construction costs, and broader economic pressures such as inflation. These factors required each organization to adapt, remain flexible, and develop innovative strategies to successfully advance their projects.

The panelists also expressed their appreciation for CCLF’s role in helping bring their visions to life. They emphasized how CCLF’s flexible, affordable capital provided critical support, enabling them to move projects forward, strengthen organizational capacity, and create lasting economic and community impact.

Lycrecia Parks, Chief Risk Officer and Vice President of Portfolio Management, discussed CCLF’s strong lending and portfolio performance during the Annual Meeting.

Lycrecia Parks, Chief Risk Officer and Vice President of Portfolio Management, expressed appreciation for CCLF’s partner organizations and their continued support of the organization’s mission to advance community development throughout the Chicago region.

Parks presented an overview of CCLF’s 2025 lending activity and first quarter FY2026 portfolio performance, highlighting the organization’s progress toward its annual goals of closing 40 loans and reaching $40 million in lending volume by year-end. She also acknowledged the challenges facing borrowers, including rising construction costs, reductions in key federal programs, and ongoing market uncertainty. Despite these pressures, Parks emphasized CCLF’s commitment to working closely with borrowers by providing flexibility and support during periods of economic disruption.

In 2025, CCLF achieved its second-highest lending year in the organization’s history, closing $34.5 million in loans. This financing supported the creation or preservation of 303 housing units, helped sustain 313 jobs, and contributed to the development of 104,175 square feet of commercial and community space.

As of the first quarter of 2026, CCLF’s portfolio maintained a delinquency rate of 3.69%, reflecting CCLF’s continued focus on responsible lending, strong borrower relationships, and long-term community impact.

Angela Dowell, Chief Finance Officer, providing data on asset growth of $216 million.

Angela Dowell, Chief Financial Officer, provided an overview of CCLF’s strong financial performance in 2025, highlighting the organization’s continued growth and financial stability. CCLF closed the year with $216 million in total assets, $70 million in net assets, and a net surplus of $9.8 million. By the end of the first quarter of 2026, total assets had increased to $221 million, reflecting the organization’s continued momentum and strong financial position.

Dowell emphasized CCLF’s strategic approach to managing capital, investing in organizational capacity, and building long-term sustainability. These investments strengthened the organization’s infrastructure and supported future growth, including the addition of key staff positions such as in-house General Counsel, lending and portfolio team members, an office manager, a programs manager, and an IT manager.

Through these strategic investments in people, systems, and operations, CCLF has enhanced its ability to serve borrowers, expand lending capacity, and advance its mission of supporting equitable community development throughout the region.

The Annual Meeting concluded with a question-and-answer session led by CCLF President Bob Tucker, who engaged with attendees and addressed their questions about the organization’s work and future priorities. Tucker expressed his appreciation to all participants for their continued partnership and support, while also recognizing JPMorgan Chase as the lead sponsor of CCLF’s upcoming 35th Anniversary Celebration on September 10, 2026.

Q & A

He closed the meeting by announcing a guided tour of the National Public Housing Museum for attendees who had registered in advance, providing an opportunity for participants to continue the conversation and explore the history and impact of community-centered housing initiatives.

Annual meeting attendees on the National Public Housing Museum tour with Lisa Lee, the museum’s Executive Director

Overall, the Chicago Community Loan Fund continues to demonstrate strong financial performance, organizational resilience, and long-term stability. Through disciplined financial management and strategic investment, CCLF has consistently advanced its mission while maintaining a strong foundation for future growth. The organization’s ability to achieve and sustain positive financial results year after year reflects its adaptability, operational strength, and continued commitment to creating lasting community impact.