Communities across the country are facing economic stagnation and high unemployment. With declining federal funding for stimulus and safety-net programs, there seem to be few avenues for long-term growth.

At the same time, there is money on the sidelines. Investors are searching for new opportunities that offer even modest returns in a low-interest-rate environment and a difficult financial landscape.

The solution to overcoming both sets of challenges may lie in uniting Wall Street and Main Street. Instead of looking abroad for the next great asset class, investors may find surprisingly attractive options available right here at home—in the form of financing local development. Innovative investment approaches can provide the returns that investors desire while offering communities a path to jobs and economic growth.