Numerica wins Business Innovation Award

Outside-the-box solutions for connecting people with affordable housing earned Numerica Credit Union a special honor Wednesday. The credit union received the Business Innovation award at the 2024 Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Numerica accepted the award for the large business category during a gala at the CenterPlace Regional Event Center.

“The impact of these programs is felt every time a family is handed a house key,” said Carla Cicero, Numerica president and CEO. “Our team recognized Spokane’s need for affordable housing and took steps to overcome financial barriers. This award is a testament to how Numerica lives out its core purpose of enhancing lives, fulfilling dreams and building communities.”

The award honored a pair of innovative approaches the credit union took to helping people purchase a home. In 2023, Numerica was granted $1.5 million from the City of Spokane to assist underserved communities. Numerica’s Down Payment Assistance Program aims to help dozens of first-time homebuyers who might not have otherwise qualified for a loan.  

The credit union also partnered with Village Cohousing Works to create a specialized manufactured home loan program. The Spokane nonprofit helps provide affordable, permanent housing to low-income households. The first of its kind, Numerica’s manufactured home loan program created lower interest rates and more flexible credit requirements for buyers.