receive a nice return and do some good along the way—that was a challenge," says McCoy. It helped that he was offering not only a profitable opportunity but also a way for banks to comply with the Community Reinvestment Act, a federal law requiring them to provide money for low- and moderate-income communities.

So far, UrbanAmerica has acquired $110 million worth of commercial property, including a shopping mall in Opa Locka, Fla., and medical offices in Las Vegas. The company finds creative ways to bolster communities—and thus protect investments. At Eastover Shopping Center in Oxon Hill, Md., UrbanAmerica is even building a 22,000-sq.-ft. police precinct to make the neighborhood safer and enhance property values.

1 | 2
Name: Richmond McCoy
Age: 45
Why critics are taking note: McCoy's proving to Wall St. firms that they can invest in inner cities and ethnic markets and still make a nice return

THIS MONTH'S INNOVATORS







Will the 21st century produce more important innovations than the last? Who will be the top inventors? Tell us if you agree with TIME's choices.


Which of the following breakthroughs do you think will come first?

The ability to clone humans
A cure for cancer
Extending the average life past 100
Other
Do you know the next Einstein? Is your neighbor working on the next great health breakthrough? If so, e-mail us the name of your nominee, explaining in 50 words or less why we should choose him or her.

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About the Series

PHOTOS: Amy Domini by STEVE LISS FOR TIME,
Peter Freudenthal Photo Courtesy of meVC,
Jean-Pierre Gloton by SERGE PICARD/VU,
Richmond McCoy by JONATHAN SAUNDERS FOR TIME,
David Pullman by MICHAEL GRECCO FOR TIME,
Gerald Putnam photo illustration by AARON GOODMAN FOR TIME
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