Celebrating the Retirement of Friend and Community Partner: Linda Tinney
Urban Land Conservancy recognizes the contributions of Linda Tinney, a long-time partner to so many of us in the Denver region and across the country.
Linda retired earlier this year and much to ULC’s dismay (you know ULC loves to plan parties), she requested that no big event take place to celebrate her many accomplishments. Since ULC highlights the successes of so many of our partners across the region, we felt that Linda deserved a special toast so we could all take a moment to acknowledge her contributions to make so many neighborhoods and communities stronger.
Linda Tinney was most recently the vice president for Community Affairs at U.S. Bank in Denver, where she managed community development, community affairs, corporate contributions, volunteer programs and related regulations for nearly 30 years. Linda created and facilitated creative strategies and initiatives to build and strengthen communities and the people who live and work in them with special focus on low to moderate income people and areas. She worked to develop affordable housing, create jobs through small business and economic development and help people achieve their dreams by building their financial skills through financial education and promoting access to consumer products designed to meet their needs. She also developed and grew strategic relationships with community organizations and agencies.
In her career at U.S. Bank, Linda has managed community development across their 26-state footprint either directly or leading regional teams of community development experts.
The impact of her work was recognized by a U.S. Bank Senior Vice President upon her retirement, ULC feels it summarizes her incredible commitment to community perfectly, “There is an art to community development and investment and you have been one of the most innovative and committed practitioners in our landscape and will continue to do so by making our communities thrive with your passion and knowledge.” ULC couldn’t agree more.
One of the key projects that Linda is particularly proud to have played a leadership in is Mile High Community Loan Fund (MHCLF). She was a founder in 2000 along with the City of Denver and two foundations. Linda was the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the first five critical start-up years and since then, has continued to serve on the Board and working committees. MHCLF has closed 167 loans worth $76 million, with $11.05 billion leveraged through other financing to create 7,712 affordable housing units. In addition, MHCLF’s nonprofit facilities financing has produced almost 500,000 square feet of community facility space.
The list of organizations that benefitted from Linda’s involvement is extensive and includes:
- Colorado Enterprise Fund – Board, 2004-2012
- Denver Economic / Community Development Lending Task Force – 2010-2012
- Denver Metro Community Development Partnership – 2010-2012
- Denver Transit-Oriented Development Fund, Steering Committee, 2010-2012
- Mile High Community Loan Fund – Board, 2000-2012, Board Chair, 2000-2005; Treasurer, 2005-2006; Founder, 2000
- Mile High Connects – Steering Committee and Work Group Co-Chair, 2010-2012
- Stonehenge Community Development New Market Tax Credit National Advisory Council, 2003-2012
- Federal Reserve Board, Consumer Advisory Council: 2007-2009
- Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Community Development Advisory Council: 2005-2010
- Denver Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Expanding Community Development Financial Resources: 2004-2006
- Housing Development Project: Founder 1992; Member, 1992-2007
- Denver Affordable Housing Task Force: 2000-2002
- Denver Community Development Agency Advisory Council: 1996-2002
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, Board: 1993-1996
- Denver Zoo: Trustee, 1991-1995
- Mile High United Way: Trustee, 1992-1995
- Brothers Redevelopment, Inc.: Board Chair, 1992-1993, Board, 1989-1995
- Hope Communities, Inc., Advisory Board: 1988-1994
Linda’s impressive lists of awards received in her career include:
- 2010 U.S. Bank Five Star Volunteer Award for outstanding service at Mile High Community Loan Fund
- 2006 Housing Denver, Housing Star Award – Housing Funder of the Year for U.S. Bank
- 2004 Housing Development Project, Award for Housing Development Efforts
- 2002 Housing Colorado, People’s Choice Award for outstanding leadership and accomplishments in affordable housing
- 2001 Colorado Enterprise Fund, Community Partner Award
- 2000 Denver City Council Awarded Congratulatory resolution for innovative partnerships developing affordable housing
- 1992 Denver Woman of Achievement Award
- 1991 Denver City Council, Awarded Certificate of Appreciation for development in low income neighborhood
Linda’s experience and accomplishments demonstrate her love of working with such a diverse group of people and organizations, and with so many talented colleagues and community members inspiring her work for decades it is no wonder that her community development tool box is so full.
Community is not the only thing that Linda is so passionate about, she is a successful artist! She feels that creating art is all about being free of rules and having a blast exploring the unknown. The excitement and play of making art fed creativity into her work and the rest of her life.
The staff, Board and partners of ULC wish Linda a very happy and well deserved retirement. Her influence will continue to benefit the people and communities she worked in and her impact will not soon be forgotten.