Christopher Laurent

Biography: Chris Laurent leads Cinnaire’s nonprofit development affiliate, Cinnaire Solutions, in its work throughout its footprint in the Upper Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, with particular focus in Detroit, Wilmington, DE, and La Crosse, WI. Cinnaire Solutions’ model is to partner with undercapitalized or capacity-limited CDCs or emerging development firms owned by persons of color, serving as both a coach and bench strength to help its partners transform their communities. Cinnaire is a full service CDFI with its corporate headquarters in Lansing, Michigan. Chris previously operated a consulting business with nonprofit and for-profit clients in the affordable and market rate residential sector and has developed market rate housing throughout Wisconsin. He was Wisconsin Market President for a prominent affordable housing developer, where he oversaw the development and execution of key catalytic properties throughout the state. Prior experience includes that of director of tax legislation and policy with the National Council of State Housing Agencies in Washington, DC, and manager of multifamily development at the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), where he was responsible for Wisconsin's allocation of federal Housing Credits and expanding WHEDA's $100 million direct multifamily lending program. Throughout his career Chris has been involved in the development and financing of over $600 million of residential real estate. Chris earned his degree from the University of Wisconsin and is working toward his MA-Servant Leadership at Viterbo University. He has served as president of the Board of Directors of Porchlight, Inc., the leading nonprofit provider of services and housing for otherwise homeless people in Dane County, and was appointed by the mayor to serve on the long-range planning committee for the Madison Community Development Authority, its sustainable design and energy committee, and its ad hoc TIF policy committee. Chris co