How might we create a trusted environment that encourages place-based institutional and private investment in community wealth and affordable housing?

About This Lab

Led in collaboration with community housing organizations, the Igniting Community Investment in Non-Market Housing Lab aims to strengthen the ability of the non-market housing sector to attract community and institutional investment—ultimately helping preserve and expand affordable housing under community ownership. With the financial support of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), this Solutions Lab project is working to create replicable financing models for community-led housing and a trusted framework that encourages broader investment participation.

This Solutions Lab brings together housing providers, policy leaders, finance experts, and community investors to address these challenges. Through collaborative design, knowledge exchange, and prototyping, the Lab seeks to create a supportive environment for CHOs to scale their work and for investors to confidently participate in community wealth-building and housing affordability.