Part 1: In this episode of ChangeMakers, host Katie Goar sits down with Lisa Gutierrez, Senior Vice President and Director of Business Development for Affordable Housing at U.S. Bank. As a 2023 inductee into the California Housing Consortium’s Hall of Fame, Lisa shares invaluable insights from her 20-year career in affordable housing and commercial real estate.Lisa leads U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance’s national multi-fund investing team, which has provided nearly $33 billion in affordable housing financing nationwide. She discusses innovative financing solutions, including their groundbreaking Access Commitment initiative—a $250 million program supporting emerging developers of color. The conversation explores current challenges in affordable housing development, from rising construction costs to insurance concerns and the growing importance of resident services. Lisa also highlights promising trends in the industry, including new state tax credit programs and innovations in modular construction. Learn how major corporations, healthcare providers, and nonprofits are increasingly entering the affordable housing space to address critical housing needs across America. Join us for an enlightening discussion about transforming communities through creative financing and collaborative partnerships in affordable housing development.

Part 2: In Part Two of our conversation with Lisa Gutierrez on ChangeMakers, we explore the human side of affordable housing development. Lisa shares inspiring stories from her portfolio, including groundbreaking projects like one of the nation’s first LGBTQ+ senior housing developments and the revitalization of a historic Bracero farm worker housing complex in Soledad, California. As a 2023 inductee into the California Housing Consortium’s Hall of Fame, Lisa discusses her unexpected journey from a college graduate in communications to a leading voice in affordable housing finance. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and network-building, particularly through her involvement with the Women’s Affordable Housing Network and various industry boards including the Housing Trust of Silicon Valley and Enterprise Community Partners. The episode concludes with Lisa’s perspective on team leadership at U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, where her group’s impressive tenure—ranging from 13 to 20+ years—speaks to their deep commitment to the mission of creating affordable housing. Through personal insights and professional wisdom, Lisa illustrates how providing “home” isn’t just about building structures, but about creating foundations for successful lives. Join Katie for this inspiring conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the collaborative spirit driving innovation in affordable housing development.