Genesis LA

Creating Financial Solutions for the People of LA since 1998

Genesis LA was established in 1998 out of the office of former Mayor Richard Riordan who saw an empty space in community-driven financial efforts for Los Angeles. Today Genesis LA is certified by the US Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Community Development Entity (CDE). Through leveraging our GCIF and CDE capabilities, we have been able to support community and economic projects that breathe new life into the city of Los Angeles.

Our Philosophy

 As a CDFI, we understand the weight of our role in the financial ecosystem. Unlike traditional bank lending, we have far greater flexibility and power to provide funding for projects that do not fit the status quo of “acceptable.” However, in exchange for taking on creative projects, we also absorb the risk of ensuring that our investments will succeed and that the borrowers are able to create a return. However, not every challenge or injustice within community development can be solved by taking on debt. With this context, we carry the responsibility of ensuring every dollar is maximized to solve the problem as far as possible.

Our Approach

We continually ask ourselves, how can we do more for the communities we serve? In doing so, we seek to approach each project with an eye for innovation, co-creation, and a nimbleness unfound in traditional lenders. It is ingrained into our DNA to resist stagnancy; instead, continuously fight for new ways to invest human and financial resources to tackle the challenges underserved communities are entrenched into. Dissatisfied with the status quo, we work intimately with our partners to turn ideas into viable and financeable community development projects by guiding them through the rejections and red tape toward our ultimate goal, fulfilling the needs of our communities.

Genesis LA Project Portfolio

Map Key

Economic Development

Community Services

Working Captial

Housing

Genesis LA Project Portfolio

Map Key

Community Services

Housing

Working Captial

Economic Development

Willowbrook

Affordable Housing

Located in Willowbrook, the Willowbrook project will house seven units of permanent supportive housing. Working with Restore Neighborhoods LA (RNLA), Genesis LA provided construction and permanent financing for the infill project. Avoiding traditional tax credit programs, the project has a significantly lower cost per unit. 

GCIF Loan Financed $910,000

BLVD MRKT

Economic Development

On a blighted commercial property in Downtown Montebello, BLVD MRKT is hosting eight minority-owned real small food businesses in a newly built indoor/outdoor food hall. Centered as a growing community center, Barney Santos, the head of the project, works closely with the tenants to ensure their success. In support of California Fresh Works’ program, Genesis LA financed the project. 

GCIF Loan Financed $1,700,000

Terasaki Budokan

Community Facilities

In the heart of Little Tokyo, Genesis LA helped Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) with obtaining financing for the development of the 28,000 SF recreation center. Opened in 2021, Terasaki Budokan holds sports centers, event space, and an outdoor garden for the neighborhood. The bridge financing helped LTSC bridge uncommitted campaign and become eligible in New Markets Tax Credit.

GCIF Loan Financed $3,200,000

Jessica Waybright

General Counsel

Jessica Waybright joined Genesis LA in 2008 and serves as General Counsel. She reviews loan due diligence, assists with loan structuring, and both drafts and reviews loan documents. She also oversees program compliance with government and private institutions.

Prior to joining Genesis LA, Ms. Waybright worked as a Real Estate and Transactional Attorney for Spierer, Woodward, Cobalis & Goldberg, where she drafted and negotiated terms of both real estate and business transactions.

Ms. Waybright earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Economics from the University of California, Davis and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. She is admitted to the California Bar.