It was also my first full year as Woodstock’s President & CEO ... the timing of which was both inspiring and tragic.

It was a year where we saw constructive action result from the national outrage at George Floyd’s murder in 2020. The resulting mainstream awareness of systemic racial injustices inspired a hopeful response in Illinois and Chicago, as evidenced by overwhelming support for the passage of the Predatory Loan Prevention Act, the Illinois Community Reinvestment Act and Chicago’s Lending Equity Ordinance.

We celebrated these wins, but our 2021 research showed there’s much more to do. Looking back at four decades of analysis from our Community Lending Fact Books showed heartbreakingly little change despite well-intentioned efforts. That was the genesis of our ambition to “Change the Map”—the focus of the June 2021 virtual gathering where we shared our findings.

Our ambition to change the map will inform Woodstock Institute’s vision and programmatic work over the next several years: we will continue to conduct the research Chicago relies on Woodstock Institute to create — and we will do more to share actionable insights from our data that help drive meaningful change.

One example of how we’re doing this work is the direct-to-consumer communications and advertising campaign we created to raise awareness of the new Predatory Loan Prevention Act after it passed in 2021. The campaign, featuring radio advertising and interviews with trusted leaders and advocates, continues to raise awareness of the law and provides borrowers with helpful resources.

None of this would have been possible without these essential elements:

• Open partnerships and widespread enthusiasm for our work and mission from grassroots leaders and industry partners alike who are eager to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us to do the hard work of understanding what must finally change and make it happen;
• A funding community that welcomed me in my new role with enthusiasm and a drive to see Woodstock Institute succeed, and;
• Our small yet amazing team of staff and supportive board.

As you read this, 2023 is right around the corner—the year of Woodstock Institute’s 50th anniversary of advocating for economic equity and racial justice. Expect a strong focus on our history, an ambitious vision for our next 50 years, and one hell of a party.

Finally – but most importantly – I want to express appreciation for your role and leadership in helping us to continue to do this work. Thank you!