Private Capital: Unlocking Solutions for the Affordable Housing Crisis
Innovate. Invest. Build.
Join us for a critical conversation on how innovative private investment can unlock solutions to Washington’s affordable housing crisis — and ensure historically underinvested communities are part of the solution, not left behind.
DATE: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
TIME: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
(Networking & Community Charrette followed by Panel Discussion at 6:00 p.m.)
LOCATION: 9Zero Climate Innovation Hub (15th Floor), 1215 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Why This Matters
Washington’s housing crisis demands bold solutions — and fast. With out-of-state capital flowing into the region and development pressures mounting, the opportunity is now to reimagine how private dollars can fuel equitable housing development that centers on affordability needs.
We’re bringing together leading voices from across finance, development, philanthropy, and policy to explore innovative investment strategies, break down barriers, and build a new vision for affordable housing in Washington.
Panelists
Jessyn Farrell, Deputy Mayor, City of Seattle
Alex Lofton, Founder, Landed
Wyking Garrett, Africatown Seattle
Robert Foster, Courage Housing
What We’ll Cover
Beyond LIHTC: New approaches to financing affordable housing
Community-Led Development: Investing directly in community ownership
Overcoming Barriers: What keeps investors out — and how to change that
Blended Capital: Combining financial returns with measurable social impact
Sustainable Innovation: How Washington’s building codes can drive smarter, greener, and more resilient development
Whether you’re an investor, developer, or policymaker— your voice matters. Together, we can build a future where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing.
Space is Limited – Please RSVP by March 24th.
Appetizers and light refreshments provided.
To RSVP or ask questions, email: connect@lamdi.co with the subject line “Invest in Housing.”
About Courage Housing: Housing for New Americans - We believe that new Americans are one of our nation's greatest strengths. Our country faces a protracted housing crisis. International conflicts will persist. And we Americans will continue to open our doors to refugees. Courage Housing is an investment firm that deploys capital to build and operate multifamily developments where new Americans thrive.
About làmdi: We are your strategic partner for purpose-driven housing and place-making investment. At làmdi, we’re a future-forward consultancy rooted in joy, heritage, and culture, focusing on housing innovation that drives both returns and community impact. We bring together the power of AI, climate-conscious development strategies, and deep community insight to help investors unlock new opportunities in affordable housing and place-making—from financing and partnerships to design and long-term sustainability. Learn more at www.lamdi.co or connect with us at connect@lamdi.co.
About 9Zero: We are a community of founders, investors, scientists, and innovators who drive climate action together. Through our club, events, and connections, we build relationships and accelerate solutions. If you’re working toward a healthier world, you belong here. Join us - 9Zero.com
Speaker Bios
Alex Lofton, a Seattle-area native and co-founder and Managing Partner of Landed, is inspired by work that tries to put a meaningful dent in the widening wealth gap, with a particular interest in broadening access to homeownership. A venture-backed startup turned professional services business, Landed administers shared appreciation down payment programs so that hospitals and colleges can invest their own dollars in a way that addresses the impact high housing costs have on recruiting and retaining the talent these employers depend on to thrive. Alex got his start in real estate at developer Forest City and previously served in leadership roles at numerous social enterprises and technology startups in D.C., London and San Francisco. He also helped lead then-Senator Barack Obama's successful campaign for President and served on the founding team of Organizing for America at the Democratic National Committee. Alex is on the boards of Terner Labs (an incubator for housing startups focused on affordability, equity and sustainability) and TechEquity Action, and he holds a B.A. from Northwestern University and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Jessyn Farrell
Deputy Mayor Jessyn Farrell is responsible for overseeing the Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Parks & Recreation, and the Office of Sustainability & Environment. Farrell previously worked as Executive Director of the Transportation Choices Coalition and as a legislator representing North Seattle in the Washington State House of Representatives. She also served as Director of the City’s Office of Sustainability and Environment, where her leadership was instrumental in advancing clean Building Emission Performance Standards policies, fostering workforce development through environmental restoration, and leading the development of Seattle's Food Action Plan. Farrell has a graduate degree from the University of Washington School of Law and an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington. She looks forward to advancing Mayor Harrell’s One Seattle vision working to accelerate our progress toward a more sustainable Seattle.
Wyking Garrett is a dynamic community builder, cultural strategist, and visionary leader committed to Black empowerment and equitable development. As the President and CEO of Africatown Community Land Trust, Wyking leads transformative efforts to preserve and develop land in Seattle’s Central District—a historically Black neighborhood—through community ownership and cultural resilience. Under his leadership, Africatown has spearheaded landmark developments such as the Liberty Bank Building and the Midtown Plaza, creating affordable housing, business space, and cultural anchors for future generations.
Wyking is a third-generation Seattleite and lifelong activist rooted in Black liberation, intergenerational wealth-building, and systems change. He has been instrumental in organizing the annual Umoja Fest, co-founding the Africatown-Central District Preservation and Development Initiative, and convening cross-sector coalitions focused on economic justice, youth development, and arts and culture. His work bridges innovation, tradition, and grassroots organizing to create vibrant, self-determined Black communities.
A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Wyking is widely recognized for his commitment to building institutions that reflect the legacy and future of the African diaspora in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Robert Foster is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Courage Housing, an impact-driven investment firm dedicated to creating affordable multifamily housing that empowers refugees and new Americans. With a Master of Science from Oxford University, Robert began his career as an analyst at Underdog Ventures, a leading impact investment firm. He later served as the Executive Director of Accelerating Market-driven Partnerships (AMP), an initiative launched by Hillary Clinton at the U.S. State Department, where he played a key role in structuring a $2.1 billion housing transaction in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation, the World Bank, and the Aspen Institute. At Courage Housing, Robert leads investments in innovative projects, such as a mixed-income housing development in Spokane, Washington, which integrates affordable housing with public library services and community resources. He also structured and raised a $1 million Women's Empowerment Loan Fund, supporting women business owners with low-cost loans. Beyond his professional work, Robert is actively involved in youth development and community inclusion, serving on the boards of Kids Included Together and the University of San Diego’s Kroc School of Peace Studies, as well as co-leading his sons' Cub Scout pack. Through his work in impact investing and housing solutions, Robert continues to champion sustainable, community-driven development to support vulnerable populations.