2016 Citizen Services Medal: Lisa Jones

Poor urban and rural communities seeking to spur economic development and job growth face a hard reality—gaining access to affordable, long-term credit and investment capital is an immense hurdle.

Lisa Jones stood up and now directs a Treasury Department bond program that has resulted in $852 million in loans to low-income communities since 2013, at no cost to taxpayers. By making long-term capital available at lower borrowing costs, underserved communities have been able to finance small businesses, affordable rental housing, day care centers, senior living facilities, charter schools and health care facilities.

Learn more about the medalist’s accomplishments at servicetoamericamedals.org.