At Baltimore Community Lending, we’re committed to more than just providing capital—we’re here to advocate for a more inclusive, equitable economy where all communities can thrive. That’s why we were proud to send our CEO, Watchen Harris Bruce, and Senior Vice President, Clarence J. Snuggs Sr., to the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) Just Economy Conference 2025, held in the heart of Washington, DC.
This annual conference is the nation’s leading event focused on economic justice, drawing together changemakers from across the country—community leaders, business owners, policymakers, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and foundations. The shared mission? To ensure that the promise of opportunity, wealth-building, and well-being is accessible to every American, regardless of zip code.
Real Conversations, Real Change
Throughout the week, our leaders participated in a range of powerful discussions and workshops covering:
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Fair Housing and Fair Lending
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Access to Capital and Credit
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Climate and Community Resilience
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Workforce and Economic Development
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Civil and Human Rights
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Small Business Support and Impact Investing
These sessions didn’t just highlight the challenges facing disinvested communities—they sparked dialogue about real, scalable solutions, many of which align with BCL’s mission and work right here in Baltimore.
Taking Action on the Hill
A major highlight of the week was Hill Day, where our team joined NCRC members from across the country to visit with Congressional leaders and staff. BCL had the opportunity to meet with policymakers including:
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Representative Kweisi Mfume
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Senator Chris Van Hollen
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Senator Angela Alsobrooks
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Representative Johnny Olszewski Jr.
During these meetings, we shared real stories from the entrepreneurs and developers we serve—stories that highlight both the potential and the barriers faced by small business owners and local visionaries in underserved areas. We advocated for policies that improve access to capital, strengthen fair lending protections, and invest in equitable development.
Why It Matters
Baltimore is a city full of promise, creativity, and innovation. But like many urban centers, it faces deep-rooted economic disparities. At BCL, we believe that policy and practice must work hand-in-hand to close the wealth gap, support underrepresented entrepreneurs, and rebuild communities in a way that’s sustainable and just.
Attending the Just Economy Conference reinforces our commitment to driving these changes—not just locally, but nationally. We are proud to be a voice for Baltimore on this critical stage.