Filene Research Institute, an independent cooperative finance think tank based in Madison, Wis., has selected Veridian Credit Union to lead a Racial Economic Equity Incubator in Waterloo. It’s one of eight incubators Filene is organizing across the U.S. in collaboration with Urban Strategies Inc. and Native Women Lead to close the racial wealth gap. According to a news release, the Veridian-led incubator will focus specifically on closing gaps in homeownership and access to consumer lending with existing community partners in Waterloo, including Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, 24/7 BLAC and House of Hope. “We know that homeownership is one of the most significant tools allowing consumers to maintain financial stability and achieve long-term financial success,” LeKeisha Veasley, Veridian’s community inclusion strategist, said in the announcement. “The Cedar Valley is fortunate to have several strong organizations and passionate leaders working to address racial disparities in homeownership and access to credit. That gives us a great opportunity to coalesce our efforts for efficiency, effectiveness, and a chance at making a replicable recipe that could also be impactful in other communities.” The incubator is expected to take place over the next two years, the release said.