When traditional finance falls short, where can changemakers turn? Host Justin Charles talks with Jim Casselberry of Known about how impact investing directs capital to overlooked communities and ideas. Gain insight, clarity, and real stories of money making the economy more inclusive.

In this episode of Live with Living Cities, host Justin Charles explores the power of catalytic capital and how the Inclusive Capital Council (ICC) is working to transform not just how capital flows—but who controls it and who benefits from it.

You’ll hear from Daniel Nissenbaum, CEO of the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), and Mileyka Burgos-Flores, founder and executive director of the Allapattah Collaborative CDC in Miami. Together, they share how bold, equity-centered investments are challenging the status quo of traditional finance and fueling community-led economic development.

From national capital strategies to neighborhood-level innovation, this episode unpacks the role of catalytic capital in closing income and wealth gaps, shifting power to community-based capital allocators, and building a more inclusive economy—one investment at a time.

Whether you’re a funder, policymaker, entrepreneur, or advocate for equitable growth, this conversation offers powerful insights into what it takes to disrupt extractive systems and reimagine capital as a tool for justice.

In this episode of Live with Living Cities, host Justin Charles sits down with Dr. Ahmed Whitt, Director of the Center for Wealth Equity, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation about the rise of artificial intelligence and its far-reaching impact on our economy and communities. As AI rapidly transforms industries, reshapes how we work, and influences who has access to opportunity, this conversation delves into both the promise and the perils of this powerful technology.

This episode examines how AI can drive innovation and productivity—but also how it can deepen existing inequalities if left unchecked. It also explores the CHIPS and Science Act and how federal investments in technology and infrastructure can be leveraged to build more inclusive and equitable economic systems—especially in an era of growing political division and economic uncertainty.

Whether you're a policymaker, a tech enthusiast, or someone passionate about equitable economic development, this episode offers critical insights on what it takes to ensure the AI revolution benefits everyone.

In this episode of Live with Living Cities, CEO Joe Scantlebury sits down with Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter to explore how shared ownership and solidarity economy strategies are reshaping local governance. Recorded at the City of Saint Paul’s Office of Financial Empowerment conference, this powerful conversation highlights Saint Paul’s role in the Closing the Gaps Network and the broader movement for equitable economic transformation.

Host Justin Charles explores the origin and impact of Living Cities’ Closing the Gaps Network—a bold, national initiative helping cities tackle deep-rooted racial wealth and income disparities. 

Born out of the 2020 Year of Reckoning, the CTG Network has grown into a coalition of 24 cities committed to advancing long-term, inclusive, and community-driven solutions.

In this episode, you'll learn how cities are working to empower entrepreneurs from underserved communities, expand access to homeownership, and dismantle systemic barriers to economic opportunity. 

Through initiatives like Breaking Barriers to Business, local leaders are transforming their policies, practices, and partnerships to build a more equitable future—one city at a time.

Welcome to Live with Living Cities, the podcast dedicated to building a just and equitable society by dismantling systemic barriers to financial equity. In this episode, host Justin Charles introduces you to Living Cities, a collaborative of influential philanthropies and financial institutions working to close the income and wealth gap and foster economic justice in cities across the U.S.

The episode explores the historical roots of economic disparities, the necessity of systems change, and the role of collaborative partnerships in expanding access to capital. Featuring insights from Living Cities’ leadership and teams, this episode highlights initiatives like the Closing the Gaps Network and the Center for Wealth Equity, which are driving investment in undercapitalized communities. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how Living Cities works across sectors to remove barriers to financial opportunity and build sustainable solutions. This episode sets the stage for future discussions on transforming economies to ensure long-term financial security for all.

Subscribe now and join the conversation at www.livingcities.org. Together, we can create lasting change.