In predominantly renter-based markets across the Northeast, housing-related financial strain remains a significant barrier to household stability and long-term economic security. Yet innovative models are emerging that seek to flip that script — creating pathways for renters to build assets, reduce risk, and participate more fully in local prosperity.
Building on the momentum from AFN’s September 2024 webinar exploring regional strategies to increase affordability, reduce evictions, and deliver financial return or dividends to renters, this session took a deeper dive into renter wealth-building models in action.
On May 15, 2025 AFN, partners in New Jersey, and collaborators from national nonprofits and financial institutions held an webinar where we explored promising approaches that leverage public-private tools, housing finance innovation, and credit-building strategies tied to rent payment. We examined how these approaches can expand renter access to economic opportunity and helped funders consider how to adapt similar efforts in urban centers across the region.
Speakers:
- Rachel Levy-Culler, Credit Builders Alliance (CBA)
- Gregory Good, Chief Real Estate Officer, Invest Newark
- Khaatim Sherrer El, Clinton Hill Community Action
- Marco Villegas, JPMorgan Chase
