Meet Garrett Dickerson, this year’s participant in the Tony Goldman Internship for Diversity in Preservation & Community Development. It’s been wonderful working with Garrett to help advocate for the Historic Tax Credit and underwrite upcoming tax credit transactions. As this year’s fellowship comes to a close, we sat down with Garrett to learn more about how his background and experience with NTCIC will be shaping his future in community development finance.
How did you learn about the Open Access Initiative Opportunity? Why did you want to participate?
I learned about the Open Access opportunity from a coworker at work. She heard through another coworker that I was interested in learning about finance, so she contacted me and gave me the information about the fellowship.
How did you come to be interested in community development finance and/or the New Markets Tax Credit industry?
I was introduced to community development finance and the New Market Tax Credit Industry through my master’s at the University of Maryland College Park Real Estate Development Program. The last class that I took after I graduated from the University was Advanced Finance. My professor at the time had extensive knowledge of the LIHTC industry. I was intrigued by his vast knowledge and decided to apply once again to the fellowship.
What’s your dream job?
My dream job would be involved in land use, such as development finance, placemaking, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, infill, and redevelopment. I have always loved to see the historic fabric of cities. I like the fact that they tell a story about those who literally built the communities that we inhabit.
What’s the single most effective tool a city has to affect change in its low-income communities?
In my opinion, economic development would be the most effective tool a city has to affect change in its low-income communities. Economic development comes in so many forms. It is the veins that keep communities running. Without job creation, communities would not be able to sustain themselves. We see this echoed throughout so many municipalities today that are shells of their former selves.
What will you be working on during your time with NTCIC, and what are you most interested in learning/doing?
I worked on the investment memos for two projects that NTCIC is financing. I also participated in Historic Tax Credit Lobby Day and collected data for advocates to use in conversations with their elected representatives. I have also used Costar to pull reports for data needs.
What advice do you have for young people of color wanting to work in this field?
I would advise young people of color to apply to the Open Access Fellowship along with any fellowship or internship that will give them experience in this field. Fellowships and internships are very important when it comes to professional development, and these opportunities often give young people a glimpse at what their desired profession is like on a day-to-day basis. They help young people see the day-to-day activities of the profession.
Who is an inspiration to you?
I do not have a single person who inspires me. I enjoy observing and uplifting anyone who is going after their goals and dreams.
Why did you choose NTCIC as your sponsored company for the fellowship?
I think NTCIC is a very interesting organization. I knew that the company administers and finances tax credits; however, the community development aspect is such an important plus. NTCIC also has helped secure tax credits for a great number of interesting and important projects around the country.
What is your takeaway from the Open Access experience?
My experience with the Open Access Fellowship has been so insightful and very much needed. My takeaway would be to continue to gain an understanding of tax credits.