Capabilities

Carras Community Investment, Inc. is a mission-driven consulting firm specializing in community development, redevelopment, and development finance. With over 30 years of experience, we help local governments, CDFIs, financial institutions, nonprofits, and developers turn ideas into impact. Our team delivers data-informed strategies, practical implementation plans, and expert guidance—designed to drive equitable and inclusive economic growth. Whether launching a new initiative, securing funding, or building stronger communities, we’re here to help you move from vision to results.

1. Strategic & Business Planning

We help local governments, CDFIs, and nonprofit organizations develop long-term strategies that align resources with community needs.

Our work includes:

Business plans for CDFIs and impact investment funds to expand access to capital.
Capitalization strategies to secure federal, state, and philanthropic funding.
Comprehensive community and economic development strategies that attract investment and promote inclusive growth.

2. Development Finance & Capital Access

We specialize in structuring innovative financing solutions to support affordable housing, small business growth, and community revitalization.

Our expertise includes:

Capitalization planning and funding applications for CDFIs and nonprofit lenders.
Grant writing and financial structuring to secure public and private capital.
Opportunity Zone investment prospectuses and advisory services for local governments and developers.

3. Redevelopment & Urban Revitalization

Carras Community Investment, Inc. has extensive experience in urban renewal, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development planning.

Our services include:

Urban renewal and redevelopment plans, such as the Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency Arts & Culture Plan and the City of Lawrence Urban Renewal Plan.
Feasibility analysis and financial modeling for mixed-use and commercial redevelopment projects.
Public-private partnership structuring to align government incentives with private sector investment.

4. Policy Analysis & Planning

We provide technical assistance and policy advisory services to governments, nonprofits, and financial institutions on key community investment issues,

including:

HUD-mandated Consolidated Plans and Analyses of Impediments to Fair Housing for municipalities.
Affordable housing strategies and financing models for workforce and mixed-income housing.
Small business development and minority entrepreneurship initiatives to promote inclusive economic growth.

5. Research & Technical Assistance

Our team conducts applied research and technical assistance to support community investment strategies nationwide.

Our expertise includes:

Equitable economic development research and thought leadership, including contributions to Harvard’s Bloomberg City Leadership Initiative.
Brownfield redevelopment finance advisory services, supporting municipalities in repurposing underutilized properties.
Technical assistance to financial institutions and community lenders, ensuring compliance with CRA, CDFI, and impact investment best practices.

Carras Community Investment, Inc. combines deep industry expertise, financial structuring capabilities, and policy insight to help clients achieve sustainable, equitable development outcomes