This week, the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund was invited onto Seattle Here & Now. Host John Yasutake dives into the vital work of the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF) and speaks with our Executive Director Bob Luciano and Program Manager Robert Williams. The episode offers listeners an inside look at how this unique, community-controlled financial institution is driving positive change in Seattle’s Rainier Valley. From affordable housing to small business support, the conversation highlights the ins and outs of RVCDF’s mission-driven approach to lending—especially through its Community Development Impact Loans, which Robert oversees to empower residents and entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by traditional banks.

Seattle Here & Now airs Thursdays at 6 PM PST on Rainier Avenue Radio and features powerful interviews with individuals making a real difference in the community. Host John Yasutake, originally from Chicago, has spent over 40 years deeply engaged in Seattle civic life. He brings a rich background in civil rights advocacy, public education, and youth mentorship, offering a platform for thoughtful dialogue on issues shaping our neighborhoods.

The RVCDF remains committed to equitable economic opportunity by providing access to capital for low- to moderate-income populations and those historically denied credit. This episode sheds light not just on the organization’s work, but on the broader importance of community-based financial institutions as engines of local development and empowerment.