As it grew, The Loan Fund became not just a lender but a leader in economic justice. In 1993, it took the lead in Albuquerque’s “Pocket of Poverty” Community Reinvestment Act campaign, pressuring commercial banks to do more for low-income neighborhoods. The Loan Fund organized residents and partnered with city officials, and their efforts paid off: that year First Security Bank and Norwest Bank committed $5.5 million in new lending earmarked for Albuquerque’s poorest areas. Internally, 1993 was also a year of capacity-building – the organization hired its first full-time loan officer to manage a growing portfolio, and its revolving loan pool surpassed $1 million for the first time. These developments meant The Loan Fund could serve more clients than ever. By spearheading advocacy that moved millions into underserved communities, the tiny nonprofit proved its voice was as powerful as its financing, ensuring that banks joined in the effort to revitalize New Mexico’s “pockets of poverty.”