about

our mission & history

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The Public Finance Initiative (PFI) is a non-profit that specializes in developing public finance programs that center the values of equity, sustainability, and inclusive growth in fiscal decision-making with leading foundations & partners. PFI's origins began with The Civic Innovation Project (CIP) - a project founded in 2015 to develop and host joint programs that would further city-to-city learning and build the capacity of governments via workshops we launched in partnership with the Microsoft New England Innovation and Policy Center. Check out a brief history of our organization since our founding below, and learn about one of our featured signature projects here.

sector focus

The Public Finance Initiative
The Public Finance Initiative is launched with a singular focus that specializes in developing public finance programs that center the values of equity, sustainability, and inclusive growth in fiscal decision-making. PFI is awarded a $4 million grant to launch a new project centering equity in municipal bond markets together with lead collaborators - Excellence and Equity in Public Finance Program at the Milken Institute, the Urban Institute, the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) at Race Forward,  Urban American City, LLC, and The Initiative for Responsible Investment at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership. Learn about this project here.
2021 — NOW
2019-2020

covid-19 rECOVERY FOCUS

Foundation Programs Expansion
Our organization entered into a fiscal sponsorship with Third Sector New England/TSNE MissionWorks, and expanded its public finance programs with an equity centered lens to include new work with the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities City Budgeting for Equity & Recovery Program, and others.

program innovation

Learning Program Expansion
We launched new in-person public finance focused learning programs for various foundations and stakeholders who work with government officials. Our programs were recognized with a State of Boston Innovation Award, MAHA Corporate Social Responsibility Award, GOV CIO OUTLOOK Award, & others.
2017-2018
2016 -2017

university programs

Joint Programs Expansion
We launched new joint programs with leading universities focused on the use of data and technology to enhance public sector governance.

origins

The Civic Innovation Project Founded
The Civic Innovation Project  was founded by Lourdes German to develop programs that build the capacity of government leaders to use civic sector innovation to improve people’s lives, via a Public Sectors Leaders Forum series in partnership with the Microsoft Innovation &Policy Center.
2015
our work

in the news

"Public Finance Initiative, National League of Cities & Collaborating Partners Receive $4 Million Grant to Elevate Racial Equity in Bond Markets"
"New Report: More Than Fines and Fees: Incorporating Equity into City Revenue Strategies."
"How Tax Incentives Can Power More Equitable Inclusive Growth"
"How City Budgets Can Help Equity As Well As
Fiscal Health"