Industries We Serve

1. Local & State Government

We partner with cities, counties, and state agencies to develop and implement housing, economic development, and redevelopment strategies.

Our services include:

Preparation of Consolidated Plans and Analyses of Impediments to Fair Housing for HUD compliance.
Urban renewal and redevelopment plans, including Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency Arts & Culture Plan and City of Lawrence Urban Renewal Plan.
Opportunity Zone investment strategies and technical assistance to municipalities seeking to attract capital.

2. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) & Financial Institutions

With deep expertise in development finance, we assist CDFIs, banks, and impact investors in designing and executing strategic initiatives that expand capital access in low-income and minority communities.

Our work includes:

Strategic and business planning for CDFIs, including the Urban League of Broward County CDFI and Southeast Florida Community Development Fund.
Capitalization strategies and grant writing to secure federal, state, and philanthropic funding.
Fair lending and community investment planning, such as the $1 billion Massachusetts Bankers Association Community Investment Plan, led to the creation of the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation.

3. Real Estate & Redevelopment

We provide planning, financing, and policy expertise to developers, public agencies, and community organizations involved in affordable housing, mixed-use development, and commercial revitalization.

Our experience includes:

Brownfield redevelopment and economic revitalization strategies for six cities through the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA).
Feasibility analysis and financial structuring for affordable housing and workforce housing projects.
Public-private partnership advisory services to align local government incentives with private-sector investment.

4. Nonprofit & Philanthropic Organizations

We help nonprofits, foundations, and community-based organizations design and implement effective community investment and economic empowerment initiatives.

Our services include:

Grant writing and program design to secure funding for affordable housing and small business development.
Minority business and entrepreneurship strategies, such as needs assessments for minority-owned businesses in Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida, and Ohio.
Advisory services for impact investing and social finance to align funding with mission-driven outcomes.

5. Higher Education & Institutions

Through our policy research and teaching leadership, we support universities, research institutions, and academic initiatives focused on equitable development, affordable housing, and development finance.

Our contributions include:

Graduate-level teaching at Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Harvard Extension School in equitable development and financing community economic development.
Research and advisory work, including contributions to Harvard’s Bloomberg City Leadership Initiative Guide to Equitable Economic Development.
Technical assistance for university-led community development initiatives.
Carras Community Investment, Inc. brings a multidisciplinary approach to these industries, ensuring that our clients receive data-driven insights, strategic guidance, and innovative solutions that foster long-term, inclusive economic growth.