The Development Finance Initiative (DFI) partners with local governments to attract private investment for transformative projects by providing specialized finance and development expertise.
UNC DFI partners with communities on projects including revolving loan funds, master-planned developments, urban infill redevelopment, downtown revitalization, and neighborhood redevelopment.
Developers who are interested in partnering with local governments can contact UNC DFI to find upcoming investment opportunities with a variety of scopes and focus areas.
We offer fellowships in real estate and community economic development. Fellows join multi-disciplinary teams that work with faculty, staff, and local government clients on projects in communities.
Featured Projects:
The City of Wilmington hired DFI in 2013 to conduct a pre-development process for the Water Street Parking Deck.
The updated Broughton District master plan is a 10-year public-private development strategy to attract $182-$192 million of private investment for the mixed-use development of five opportunity sites within the District.
The City of Albemarle engaged DFI for assistance with the historic renovation of a significant yet vacant downtown building.
The City of Kannapolis has engaged DFI to help guide and refine its vision through strategic sales, public investments, detailed financial and technical analysis, and partnerships with private developers.
DFI is celebrating its 10th anniversary! Click to watch our commemorative video.
