Local Advisory Committee (LAC) Member Highlight: Jimar Wilson

A native Angelino, Jimar Wilson works as Community Investment Officer at Boston Private, where he is responsible for managing the Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) programs in Greater Los Angeles, overseeing residential, small business and commercial community development products and services, originating affordable housing and community development loans, and managing CRA investment, volunteerism and charitable giving for the Bank’s Greater Los Angeles market.

Mr. Wilson currently serves on the Board of Directors of numerous nonprofit organizations, including Holman Community Development Corporation and Ebony Repertory Theatre. He also serves on the Local Advisory Committee of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) in Los Angeles.

1. Why were you interested in joining the LAC of LISC LA?

LISC is at the forefront of capacity-building through capital and technical assistance to local community development agencies. Being at the table alongside decision-makers and local leaders to help steward LISC’s work is something I’ve wanted to do since first learning about the organization while an urban planning graduate student.

2. What is the best part of your job?

I enjoy so much about my work as a community development banker, particularly the responsibility of stewarding the Bank’s capital via lending, investments, and strategic philanthropy to high-impact, mission-driven entities throughout greater Los Angeles.

3. How did you first get involved in the affordable housing/economic development sector?

As an undergraduate, I secured a summer internship with a South Los Angeles-based real estate development consulting firm that specialized in affordable housing and economic development. I worked directly on LIHTC applications for affordable housing projects and also a planned major retail shopping center in South LA, which is now fully-developed and benefitting the community.

4. What motivates you to work hard?

My motivation to work hard comes from a personal desire to be a trusted leader on matters of access, inclusion and equity for low-income people and communities of color: access to capital, free from discriminatory or predatory practices; and inclusive, equitable strategies to support indigenous talent in the local community development marketplace.

5. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?

Read! I’m talking about uninterrupted hours with good books in a serene environment, pen, pencil and pad for notes, sparkling water, wine and snacks!

6. Who is your hero?

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It may sound cliché or simple, but I was and still am a student of Dr. King. I took a course in college on his political philosophy, listened to tapes of his many speeches, read his books and writings. What I know is that Dr. King, as a relatively young man, understood the needs and issues of the greatest cross-section of people in America and around the world. He not only had a famous dream, but also an analysis of and prescription for problems ailing us as a society such as poverty, inadequate and substandard housing, lack of jobs, discrimination on the basis of skin color and so many other injustices.

7. What are you most looking forward to in 2019

This year, I look forward to developing and contributing to platforms that put more of my own thoughts on community development topics and issues to paper.

About The Local Advisory Committee

The Local Advisory Committee (LAC) is an advisory body that provide crucial guidance to LA LISC’s local programs. This guidance is in many areas, ranging from strategies for community development, to fundraising methods and contacts to local political issues and centers of influence.

LA LISC is guided by a Local Advisory Committee (LAC) of members from the civic and corporate community. LAC members’ involvement and counsel ensure the integrity and success of our work.

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