Multimedia - Community Development Resources

WEBINAR | Connecting Communities: Engaging Banks in Workforce Development, Part 2

This two-part Connecting Communities® webinar series highlights how banks and their partners can play an important role in workforce development and help fulfill bank obligations under the Community Reinvestment Act. Presenters for Part 2 include Priscilla Dinn Alvarez, VIDA (Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement); Barbara Mahnen, Bank of America; Andrea Stiles Pullas, Mi Casa Resource Center; Rubin Ramos, BBVA Compass; and Steven Shepelwich, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

posted 02/23/2018 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Connecting Communities Webinar: Broadband Under the Community Reinvestment Act

This Connecting Communities® webinar, featured on January 11, 2018, highlights how financial institutions could receive Community Reinvestment Act consideration for taking advantage of new opportunities to help close the digital divide across communities and improve economic stability. Presenters include Jordana Barton, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; Jeanne Bonds, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond; Chelsea Cruz and Adrian Franco, Federal Reserve Bank of New York; and Yolanda Davila, BBVA Compass.

posted 01/04/2018 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Connecting Communities Webinar: Mitigating Neighborhood Blight

This Connecting Communities® webinar, produced in November 2017, highlights two innovative programs and a policy strategy that offers working solutions to mitigate the impact of blight, vacancy and abandonment in distressed communities across the country. Presenters include Kim Graziani, Center for Community Progress; Steve Lockwood, Frayser Community Development Corp.; Krysta Pate, Detroit Home Mortgage; and Matt Josephs, LISC.

posted 10/17/2017 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

WEBINAR | Advancing Financial Inclusion: Innovative Financial Products and Services for Low-Income Households

According to the Aspen Institute, more than 50 million Americans live in or near financial crisis, and a growing number lack savings cushions to weather emergencies. Organizations across the country are developing solutions to address volatility and financial inclusion and to support households in managing cash flow and building savings, increasing credit and confidence along the way. Tune in to this free, one-hour Connecting Communities® webinar to hear from leading experts as they engage in dialogue about research, current initiatives and best practices to help address the challenges low-income households face in the financial marketplace. 

posted 09/28/2017 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Economy Matters Podcast: Heirs' Property

Heirs' properties are parcels of residential, agricultural, commercial, or even vacant land that are inherited by the descendants of a previous owner. Without a properly administered will, property is passed on to the owner's children, and then to their children, and then to other successive generations of children, and this default ownership structure is known as “tenancy in common." It can cause a number of issues for both families and communities, which this Economy Matters podcast explores. 

posted 08/17/2017 by Atlanta

VIDEO | Understanding Small Business Conditions

Small businesses are a vital component of our local and national economies. Watch this video to learn how the Dallas Fed stays informed on small business conditions through community visits, meetings and surveys, such as our Texas Small Business Needs Assessment Poll.

posted 08/16/2017 by Dallas

CRA Community Development Defined

This video, "CRA Community Development Defined," is part of the Federal Reserve System Video Series on The Community Reinvestment Act.

posted 08/15/2017 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Leading Practices for Effective CRA Programs

This video, "Leading Practices for Effective CRA Programs," is part of the Federal Reserve System Video Series on The Community Reinvestment Act.

posted 08/15/2017 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

The Small Bank and Intermediate Small Bank CRA Examination

This video, "The Small Bank and Intermediate Small Bank CRA Examination," is part of the the Federal Reserve System Video Series on The Community Reinvestment Act.

posted 08/15/2017 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Engaging Strategic Partners in Community Development

At the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) Capacity Building Workshop in Walterboro, South Carolina, community partners came together to look at how small, rural municipalities can develop their communities and improve their economies.

posted 08/02/2017 by Richmond

Virginia: Highlights from Abingdon

This article highlights the 8th consecutive gathering of the Appalachian Funders Network (AFN). Foundations and grant makers met in Central Appalachia to participate in a working meeting about aligning their investment resources.

posted 06/12/2017 by Richmond

How Can Cultural Events Foster Community Development?

In this video supplement to the Minneapolis Fed's Community Dividend publication, stop by the Little Mekong Night Market, a summertime street festival in St. Paul, Minn., that celebrates Southeast Asian arts and culture. 

posted 04/24/2017 by Minneapolis

Preserving Affordable Rural Rental Housing: New Tools and Promising Practices

This Connecting Communities® webinar focuses on recently released data and tools that can help community organizations and their partners better understand the current landscape of affordable rural rental housing. Presenters include Elizabeth Nash, PolicyMap; Bryan Hooper, USDA Rural Housing Service; and Rick Goodemann, Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership.

posted 04/18/2017 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Investing in America's Workforce: Improving Outcomes for Workers and Employers

Investing in America’s Workforce seeks to strengthen our nation’s economic potential through reframing and reimagining workforce development efforts, taking a broader view of them as investments, rather than as a limiting view centered on the delivery of social services. This initiative will connect businesses, government, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners to rethink policy and investments, attract new resources, and improve economic mobility for workers.

posted 04/11/2017 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco

Experiences and Perspectives of Young Workers

This Connecting Communities® webinar focuses on highlights of the Federal Reserve Board's December 2016 report, "Experiences and Perspectives of Young Workers." The report provides a snapshot of the educational attainment, employment experience, job market outlook and financial self-sufficiency of 18- to 30-year-olds, based on data collected through a 2015 survey. Speakers include: Heidi Kaplan of the Federal Reserve Board, Ofranama Biu of City University of New York and Amy Blair of The Aspen Institute.

posted 04/11/2017 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Education, Skills and Employer Preferences in the Middle-Skills Marketplace

This Connecting Communities® webinar, from April 13, 2017, engages experts in a dialogue about research and current initiatives to close the skills gap that exists in the U.S. economy today. Speakers include Papia Debroy and Sally Smyth, Opportunity@Work; Andi Rugg, Markle Foundation; Mels de Zeeuw, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; and Keith Wardrip, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. They discuss potential solutions that connect talented workers with gainful employment based on demonstrated skills and competencies rather than degree.

posted 04/03/2017 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Community Reinvestment Act Video

The following video presents information on the Small Bank and Intermediate Small Bank CRA Examination. The Community Reinvestment Act encourages depository institutions to help meet the credit needs of the communities in which they operate, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound operations.

posted 03/31/2017 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco

Conversations from Thought Leaders on Economic Mobility: Reflections and Insights on Recent Research and Ideas

This Connecting Communities® webinar was inspired by a collection of essays  released by the St. Louis Fed and the Fed's Board of Governors. Speakers reflect on the current state, existing challenges and opportunities that exist to shape a better future. Presenters include: Ray Boshara, director of the St. Louis Fed’s Center for Household Financial Stability; David Buchholz, deputy associate director of Consumer & Community Affairs at the Federal Reserve Board; Erin Currier, director of financial security and mobility at The Pew Charitable Trusts; and Nisha Patel, executive director of the US Partnership on Mobility from Poverty.

posted 01/06/2017 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Two Examples of Mental Health Clinics in Chicago that Serve LMI Communities

Across Illinois, one of the most critical scarcities in healthcare is mental health professionals and facilities. In this Chicago Fed blog posting, read profiles on two Chicago mental health clinics serving LMI communities and how investments by financial institutions are assisting these facilities to bring about meaningful change in neighborhoods.

posted 12/16/2016 by Chicago

Redefining the Challenges & Opportunities for Banks in LMI Neighborhoods Throughout Chicagoland: Results from Community Capacity Discussion Groups

Bank lending in low- and moderate-income (LMI) neighborhoods in the Chicago area has remained well below levels that preceded the Great Recession in 2008. This blog summarizes a 2016 convening by the Community Development and Policy Studies (CDPS) department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). The meeting brought together more than 20 bankers to share their perspectives on what drives lending and investment trends in their respective markets, and what local banks are doing to increase lending activity in LMI neighborhoods.

posted 12/16/2016 by Chicago

Student Debt, Wealth Inequality, and the Return on a College Degree: The Role of Children’s Savings Accounts

Research shows that in time, an investment in higher education eventually pays off. However, the payoff of investing in higher education varies greatly depending on whether one graduates with or without student debt. This Chicago Fed blog, from November 2016, summarizes the disparity of investment returns in education between those with and without student debt, and ways to make such returns more equitable.

posted 12/07/2016 by Chicago

2016 Community Banking in the 21st Century: Research and Policy Conference

Presentations and videos, as well as the 2016 National Survey of Community Banks, are now available from the 2016 Community Banking in the 21st Century Research and Policy Conference, hosted by the Federal Reserve System and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS). Held Sept. 28-29, 2016, at the St. Louis Fed, research explored the continuing relevance and importance of the community bank business model; the relationship between community bank size and performance; and community bank regulatory issues. Speakers included Fed Governor Jerome Powell, Chicago Fed President Charles Evans, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard and CSBS Chairman/Texas Department of Banking Commissioner Charles Cooper. H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt, chairman, BancFirst Corporation, provided the evening keynote.

posted 11/30/2016 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Investing in the Frontline: A Lesson from the Health Care Sector

On this Connecting Communities® webinar, particiants learn how an employer-led national collaboration of health care leaders promotes investment in the skill and career development of frontline workers. Kelly Aiken (National Fund for Workforce Solutions; CareerSTAT) discusses the framework and strategies outlined in CareerSTAT’s Guide for Investing in Frontline Health Care Workers. Emily Brown (UnityPoint Health) and Mark Burns (Homebridge) share how these strategies work in practice, and their impact on employees and business outcomes.

posted 11/29/2016 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Growing Entrepreneurial Communities

Don't miss this Connecting Communities® webinar, from Nov. 3, 2016, which focused on the emerging field of entrepreneurship-based economic development. Experts provided information from communities that have effectively used entrepreneurship to generate local economic growth. Speakers included Dell Gines, Senior Community Development Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City; Deborah Markley, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Center for Rural Entrepreneurship; Maria Meyers, Executive Director, KCSourceLink; and Erik Pedersen, Vice President of Entrepreneurship, NetWork Kansas.

posted 10/24/2016 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Bringing Clarity to Impact Investing

This Connecting Communities® webinar focuses on the impact in impact investing. In Navigating Impact Investing, experts propose creating impact classes as a way to optimize the process of matching an investor’s unique preferences with the right opportunities. Co-authors Ben Thornley (Tideline) and Cathy Clark (Duke University) share their proposed impact classes, the feedback they’ve received from stakeholders, and how to turn this concept into reality. Sasha Dichter (Acumen) offers a practitioner’s reflections on what an impact class framework may mean for the impact investing field.

posted 10/11/2016 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Financial Capability and Inclusion: Tools and Strategies to Promote Personal Savings

This Exploring Innovation in Community Development webinar, from  Oct. 18, 2016, focuses on innovative programs and products that are available to assist individuals and families save, as well as various ways to make saving a fun and satisfying experience. Speakers include Theresa Schmall from CFSI and Nashila Somani-Ladha from the Doorways to Dreams (D2D) Fund.

posted 09/27/2016 by St. Louis

Financial Capability and Inclusion: Leveraging Strategies and Tools to Empower Youth

This Exploring Innovation in Community Development webinar on Sept. 22, 2016, focuses on challenges that young adults face in putting financial knowledge into practice, as well as tools and strategies that build financial capability and long-term financial stability. Experts, including Leigh Phillips from EARN, Margaret Libby from MyPath, and Lisa Potts, from People's Community Action Corp., share what innovative programs and platforms are available to incent goals and savings, and equip youth with critical tools at pivotal learning opportunities.

posted 08/23/2016 by St. Louis

Early childhood Native language immersion develops minds, revitalizes cultures

Learning their indigenous languages from a very young age may prepare Native American children for success in school and life, with benefits spilling over to their families and communities. From Community Dividend, a publication of the Minneapolis Fed.

posted 08/19/2016 by Minneapolis

How Does Language Immersion Education Benefit Native Children?

In this video supplement to the Minneapolis Fed's Community Dividend publication, step into the classroom at Wicoie Nandagikendan, a preschool program at the Little Earth Community in Minneapolis that immerses children in the Dakota or Ojibwe language and culture.

posted 08/19/2016 by Minneapolis

Examining the Results of the 2015 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking

This Connecting Communities® webinar focuses on key findings from the Federal Reserve Board’s 2015 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED), including recent trends on economic well-being, preparedness for financial emergencies, income volatility, and differences in outcomes in the survey by race and ethnicity. Speakers include Jeff Larrimore, Federal Reserve Board; Jonathan Morduch, New York University and Financial Access Initiative; and Julie Siwicki, New York University.

posted 07/29/2016 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Financial Capability and Inclusion: Promoting Financial Capability in the Workplace

The St. Louis Fed will host its next Exploring Innovation in Community Development webinar on Aug. 18, 2016, to focus on strategies that employers are using to provide access to appropriate financial services and to help employees make better money management decisions. Speakers include Joanna Ain, CFED; Katherine Brune, SunTrust Banks; Debra McGee, BankPlus; and Paheadra Robinson, Center for Asset Development.

posted 07/19/2016 by St. Louis

Consumer Credit Explorer

Interested in learning consumer credit trends in your region? The Consumer Credit Explorer (CCE) is a new interactive tool for examining trends in consumer credit use at the regional, state, and national levels. The CCE enables users to look at quarterly changes in credit use indicators from 2005 to 2015 and to compare indicators across different areas. Check out the CCE and examine key credit use indicators related to mortgage debt, auto debt, student loan debt, debt collections, and others. Users can view these indicators by borrowers’ neighborhood income, credit score, and age.

posted 07/19/2016 by Philadelphia, Minneapolis

Understanding the Small-Business Landscape: Results from the 2015 Small-Business Credit Survey

Interested in data on small business financing conditions? This July 2016 Connecting Communities® webinar features results of a Fed 2015 small-business credit survey (SBCS). Responses provide insight into the dynamics behind aggregate lending trends and shed light on noteworthy segments of the small-business credit market. The survey captures the perspectives of businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Speakers include Claire Kramer, New York Fed; Karen Leone de Nie, Atlanta Fed; and Tammy Halevy, Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO).

posted 06/23/2016 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Sunrise on the 110: Building a New Los Angeles

How did a formerly abandoned downtown transform into a tourism and industry capital?  Over the past 15 years, Los Angeles has seen remarkable transformations as hundreds of new businesses have opened, thousands of new apartment units have been created, and the population living in the city’s center has tripled. This documentary from the San Francisco Fed explores the factors that led to these transformations and the triumphs and challenges of recent development.

posted 06/15/2016 by San Francisco

VIDEO | 2016 National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference

Revisit highlights from the 2016 National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference. With a resounding commitment to improving America’s lower-income communities, over 1,200 people came together to share ideas for creating pathways to economic opportunity. Highlights include Sunrise on the 110: Building a New Los Angeles, a documentary examining the factors that led to Los Angeles’ remarkable transformations in business growth, housing creation, and population, as well as presentations from LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, SF Fed President John Williams, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey.

posted 06/02/2016 by San Francisco

Making Chicago Greener

This blog posting, from April 2016, profiles two programs helping the formerly incarcerated enter or re-enter the workforce while making Chicago “greener.”

posted 05/31/2016 by Chicago

CDPS Update: Community Development and Policy Studies Blog

This blog summarizes responses from the latest survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Community Development and Policy Studies (CDPS) Division survey focused on two topics: (1) community bank closures/acquisitions and (2) student debt.

posted 05/25/2016 by Chicago

Community Development and Policy Studies (CDPS) Update

This blog summarizes responses from the latest survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Community Development and Policy Studies (CDPS) Division regarding credit availability for small businesses and for people with low credit scores seeking mortgage credit.

posted 05/25/2016 by Chicago

Webinar series: Transforming U.S. Workforce Development Policy & Practice for the 21st Century

The Kansas City Fed produced this webinar series with strategies for transforming workforce development policy and practice to meet the needs of today’s evolving economy. Each webinar explores issues in-depth with authors from Transforming U.S. Workforce Development Policies for the 21st Century, a book produced in partnership by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Kansas City and the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University.

posted 05/17/2016 by Kansas City

Redefining Rustbelt: Cross-City Perspectives on Connecting Health and Community Development

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s 2016 County Health Rankings shows a worsening of conditions in some “rustbelt” counties like Wayne County (Detroit), and Philadelphia County, ranking them lowest in their respective states in terms of the social and economic factors and physical environment that affect health. This blog provides highlights from a videoconference, co-sponsored by the Chicago Fed's Detroit Branch, as well as the Federal Reserve Banks of Cleveland and Philadelphia, which was designed to share strategies for developing and investing in community assets.

posted 05/17/2016 by Chicago

Dairy Farming in the 21st Century

A decades-long trend is that jobs in manufacturing and other industries have been replaced with robotic equipment and other automation. The trend toward automation on farms is more recent, and is in many ways redefining what it means to work on a farm. This April 2016 Community Development and Policy Studies blog from the Chicago Fed profiles why it made sense for one Wisconsin dairy farm to make a big investment in a new state-of-the-art farm technology.

posted 05/17/2016 by Chicago

What It’s Worth: Strengthening the Financial Future of Families, Communities and the Nation

This June 14, 2016, Connecting Communities® webinar focuses on a recently released book that examines the systemic causes of financial insecurity and how we can implement proven and emerging solutions. Speakers discuss promising practices for building financial well-being; topics include strength-based, multicultural asset development approaches (e.g., Lending Circles platform) and services that integrate financial capability and higher education to build the financial health of formerly incarcerated individuals. They include Laura Choi, San Francisco Fed; Kate Griffin, CFED; Jose Quinonez, Mission Asset Fund; and Paul Weech, NeighborWorks America.

posted 05/10/2016 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

The Federal Reserve: A Crucial Player in Informing Economic Development

How are Federal Reserve Banks engaged in economic development across the country? Will Lambe of the Atlanta Fed and Daniel Davis of the St. Louis Fed discuss various Reserve Bank initiatives in this Economic Development podcast.

posted 05/02/2016 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Responding to Gentrification and Displacement in Urban Communities

Tune in to this May 12, 2016, Connecting Communities® webinar discussing gentrification and displacement in community development and urban revitalization. Presenters discuss how equitable and inclusive development policies and practices have supported commercial, residential and transit growth and community revitalization. They include Ingrid Gould Ellen, New York University Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy; Harry Smith, Dudley Neighbors Inc.; and John Chin, Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation.

posted 04/22/2016 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

How Can Communities Help the Hungry Get Nutritious, Affordable Food?

In this video supplement to the Minneapolis Fed's Community Dividend publication, the executive director of the Minnesota-based discount-food program Fare for All describes how her organization offers nutritious, low-cost groceries to food stamp recipients and other food-insecure people at sites in and around the Twin Cities metro area.

posted 03/14/2016 by Minneapolis

Webinar: How to Create Summer and Year-round Employment Opportunities for High School Students

This March 2016 webinar, hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's Community Development Studies & Education department, explores best practices and innovative approaches in summer and year-round employment. Speakers from JPMorgan Chase, STL Youth Jobs, the Center for Law and Social Policy, the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the Philadelphia Fed explore ways that businesses can create more summer employment and internship opportunities, as well as strategies to build strong multiyear programs.

posted 03/10/2016 by Philadelphia

Connecting Hard-to-Serve Populations with Jobs: Successful Solutions for Skilled Immigrant Integration

Tune in to this March 30, 2016, Exploring Innovation in Community Development webinar discussing “brain waste,” the phenomenon of immigrants with college degrees being unemployed or working in jobs and fields that don’t utilize their educational and professional backgrounds. Learn about strategies, programs and best practices that help these immigrants transition to professional careers and maximize their full potential. Speakers include Amanda Bergson-Shilcock, National Skills Coalition; Rebecca Tancredi, Upwardly Global; and Manuel Portillo, Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians.

posted 03/09/2016 by St. Louis

Connecting Hard-to-Serve Populations with Jobs: Breaking Down Barriers for Youth Unemployment

This Exploring Innovation in Community Development webinar from February 2016, the second in a series of three, features presenters who share emerging strategies to overcome unemployment hurdles faced by people between the ages of 16 and 24. Speakers include Brian Rauschenbach, Apprenticeship Carolina; Angie Kamath, Per Scholas; and Elyse Rosenblum, Grads of Life.

posted 03/09/2016 by St. Louis

Connecting Hard-to-Serve Populations with Jobs: Promising Practices for Successful Re-entry

This Exploring Innovation in Community Development webinar from January 2016 highlights successful re-entry solutions for former inmates. Presenters share two promising practices that are helping ex-offenders gain marketable skills and get back to work. Speakers include Bill Heiser, Center for Employment Opportunities, and Debbie Mukamal, Stanford Criminal Justice Center.

posted 03/09/2016 by St. Louis

Strength in Numbers: Regional Workforce Collaboration

Close collaboration in the workforce development field is the current trend, creating a more accessible system for businesses and job seekers alike. In this Economic Development podcast, the Atlanta Fed's Stuart Andreason and Dee Baird of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance discuss research findings on how the various players collaborate.

posted 02/19/2016 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Accessing Investment Capital through the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program

This Connecting Communities® webinar, hosted on Feb. 18, 2016, discusses the practical “nuts and bolts” of accessing the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program, an innovative federal initiative that offers creditworthy certified CDFIs access to affordable long-term capital. Learn how this unique program incentivizes and empowers CDFIs to execute large-scale projects. Speakers include Lisa Jones, CDFI Fund, U.S. Department of the Treasury; Douglas Bystry, Clearinghouse CDFI; and Jennifer Novak, Community Reinvestment Fund.

posted 02/05/2016 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Transforming U.S. Workforce Development Policy & Practice

The Kansas City Fed hosted the first webinar on February 23, 2016 in its series based on the book: “Transforming U.S. Workforce Development Policies for the 21st Century. The first webinar covered the chapters, "Creating and Communicating Critical Information about Workforce Credentials,” and “Connecting Workers to Credentials: The Promise and Pitfalls of Awarding Academic Credit for Prior Learning.”

posted 01/27/2016 by Kansas City

TexasColonias.org

A website that accompanies the Dallas Fed study, "Las Colonias in the 21st Century: Progress Along the Texas-Mexico Border," which examines successes and challenges in infrastructure, housing, economic opportunity, education and health in Texas colonias. The site features a report, video, photos, success stories, data, legislation information and related resources.

posted 01/22/2016 by Dallas

Innovative Financing for Workforce Development

Tune in to this Jan. 28, 2016, Connecting Communities® webinar to learn about two financial innovations being applied to workforce development: pay for success/social impact bonds and Canada’s community employment loan program (CELP). Speakers include Tracey Hsu, Social Finance Inc., and Bill Young, Social Capital Partners, who demonstrate how the pay-for-success model is well-positioned to scale effective workforce-development programs and highlight CELP’s potential broader impact: societal cost savings of moving people into stable employment.

posted 12/09/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Transforming U.S. Workforce Development Policy & Practice: Reimagining the System

Tune in to this December 2015 Connecting Communities® webinar to learn how the U.S. workforce system can be reimagined to address our evolving economy, which has been altered by the Great Recession and other disruptive forces. The discussion is driven by a new publication, Transforming U.S. Workforce Development Policies for the 21st Century. Speakers include Larry Good, Corporation for a Skilled Workforce; Anthony Carnevale, Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce; and Steve Hendrickson, Boeing Co.

posted 12/07/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Innovative Financial Products and Services in Asset-Building: Treasury’s New myRA Program

The U.S. Treasury recently introduced myRA to address common barriers to retirement savings and offer a new option to save for retirement. The St. Louis Fed hosted an Exploring Innovation webinar (and related podcast) on the initiative, which provides a comprehensive overview of the program.

Speakers include Andrea Ambriz, Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement, myRA Program, U.S. Department of the Treasury; and Matuschka Lindo Briggs, Relationship Manager, myRA Employer Engagement and Outreach, Treasury Relations and Support Office, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

posted 11/30/2015 by St. Louis

Community Development Data Inventory

Published by the Philadelphia Fed, the Community Development Data Inventory describes timely and publicly available data sources to help inform the work of those involved in community development research or practice. This November 2015 release contains updated information and an expanded number in the inventory, from 16 resources to 24. The resources are described in easy-to-read, two-page summaries organized by topic, including Economy/Employment, Household Financial Stability, Housing/Homelessness, and Data/Mapping Platforms. 

posted 11/10/2015 by Philadelphia

Bringing Community Investing to Scale

Check out this Nov. 19, 2015, Connecting Communities® webinar, and learn about the growing field of U.S. Community Investing (USCI) and key recommendations on how to scale the field from report, Scaling U.S. Community Investing: The Investor-Product Interface by the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) and the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire. Learn about two USCI models: the Calvert Foundation’s Community Investment Note and the Vermont Community Loan Fund. Speakers include: Amit Bouri, Global Impact Investing Network; Michael Swack, Carsey School of Public Policy, University of New Hampshire; Justin Conway, Calvert Foundation; and Will Belongia, Vermont Community Loan Fund.

posted 11/04/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Community Banking in the 21st Century

Missed the live webcast? Presentation slides and videos are now available from “Community Banking in the 21st Century,” the third annual community banking research and policy conference, hosted by the Federal Reserve System and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS). Also available from the conference is a report that details conditions facing today's community bankers. Speakers and moderators of the event, held in St. Louis Sept. 30 - Oct. 1, 2015, included: Fed Chair Janet Yellen; Fed Governor Lael Brainard; St. Louis Fed President James Bullard; CSBS Chairman/Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks David Cotney; CSBS President and CEO John Ryan; and Houston Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan, founding investor and board member, R Bank and R Corp Financial, Round Rock, Texas.

posted 10/30/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Small Businesses’ Perceptions and Understanding of Online Alternative Loan Products: Findings from Online Focus Groups

In this Sept. 29, 2015, Connecting Communities® webinar, Fed researchers discuss a recent study they conducted using online focus groups of small-business owners, who provided their perspectives and understanding of the relatively new marketplace for online small-dollar lending to small businesses. Speakers, including Barbara Lipman of the Federal Reserve Board and AnnMarie Wiersch from the Cleveland Fed, shared the findings and possible implications of this study. (Read their report, Alternative Lending through the Eyes of "Mom & Pop" Small-Business Owners: Findings from Online Focus Groups, here.)

posted 09/04/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

VIDEO | An Introduction to the Community Reinvestment Act

This short, seven-minute video highlights the purpose, application and importance of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), a law that helps bring billions of dollars in bank capital to low- and moderate-income communities every year. Understanding how this law works is essential for banks looking to make impactful loans and investments, non-profits seeking funding, and communities wanting to ensure their financial institutions are operating in fair and responsive ways. Learn how the CRA works and what it means for communities across the country.

posted 08/24/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco

Digital Badging: Credentialing Soft Skills for Better Workplace Outcomes

New research points to soft skills as an important indicator for success in the workplace. In this Economic Development podcast, Jonathan Finkelstein, founder and CEO of Credly, and Laura Lippman, senior fellow at Child Trends, discuss digital badging as a way to document these currently amorphous workplace skills.

posted 08/19/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Center for Indian Country Development

Through its Center for Indian Country Development, the Minneapolis Fed works to help self-governing communities of American Indians in the United States attain their economic development goals. The Center promotes partnerships, research, and coordination around four focus areas that are essential for building vibrant economies: governance, infrastructure, finance, and resources.

posted 08/17/2015 by Minneapolis

How Do HRAs Serve Their Communities?

In this video supplement to the July 2015 issue of the Minneapolis Fed's Community Dividend publication, learn how housing and redevelopment agencies, or HRAs, partner with the public and private sectors to address local affordable housing and economic development needs.
 

posted 08/14/2015 by Minneapolis

VIDEO | The link between health and community development

What really makes us healthy? The top contributors to long-term health and life expectancy may be surprising to most. This video produced by the San Francisco Fed explains that only a fraction of what affects our health is actually related to healthcare. To truly improve outcomes, we need to look beyond healthcare at a variety of factors that impact health, and the community development sector is poised to address this challenge.

posted 08/10/2015 by San Francisco

Equitable Transit-Oriented Development: Increasing Connectivity and Mobility for All

Check out this Connecting Communities® webinar from August 20, 2015, and hear from national experts who explore models of communities achieving equitable growth around transit, including projects that have improved connectivity to quality housing, jobs, education and health care. Speakers, including Dan Bartholomay of Rail~Volution, Brian Prater of Low-Income Investment Fund (LIIF) and Shelley Poticha of Natural Resources Defense Council, share the latest equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD) policy framework, summarize emerging research, and discuss financing ETOD projects, including how to fill funding gaps by cultivating new public-private partnerships.

posted 08/07/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

VIDEO | Las Colonias in the 21st Century: Progress Along the Texas–Mexico Border

In 2015, the Dallas Fed released “Las Colonias in the 21st Century: Progress Along the Texas–Mexico Border,” a report that examines infrastructure, housing, economic opportunity, education and health in Texas border colonias. This video provides an overview of successes and challenges in the colonias as well as promising strategies to improve living conditions and access to opportunity in these communities.

posted 08/04/2015 by Dallas

Cascade (Summer 2015)

The Summer 2015 edition of Cascade, a publication from the Philadelphia Fed's  Community Studies & Education team, focuses on small businesses and commercial corridors. Specific articles discuss strategies to revitalize commercial corridors, the role of tax incentives in job creation, small business lending trends, a $1 billion transformation in downtown Allentown, Pa., and a research study on an inner-city commercial corridor.

posted 06/23/2015 by Philadelphia

Racial Wealth Inequality at the Local and National Levels: Findings and Implications

This July 2015 Connecting Communities® webinar covers recent studies on the extent and implications of the wide racial wealth gap in the U.S. Speakers include William (Sandy) Darity, Duke University; William Emmons, St. Louis Fed; Darrick Hamilton, The New School; Ana Patricia Muñoz, Boston Fed; and Bryan Noeth, St. Louis Fed.

posted 06/11/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Housing Market Conditions Report

Housing market conditions continued to improve during the first quarter of 2015 across the seven states that comprise the Fed’s Eighth Federal Reserve District, according to the St. Louis Fed’s Housing Market Conditions report. The quarterly report provides a snapshot of conditions in the U.S. and in the Eighth District states and MSAs. This webpage features the latest report, and an archive of past reports.

posted 06/04/2015 by St. Louis

Key Findings from the Fed’s 2014 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking

Tune in to this June 2015 Connecting Communities® webinar to learn about current issues affecting consumer financial well-being. Speakers from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors present findings and focus on key takeaways from the recently issued Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2014, which details results from its 2014 survey.

posted 05/29/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)

Small businesses form the backbone of our nation’s economy and are at the heart of thriving communities. Behind every small business is a dedicated and passionate entrepreneur who has worked tirelessly to start and grow the company. In this 8 from the Eighth podcast, learn from Angela Lewis, city manager for the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, about how the organization is cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit among middle and high school students living in low- and moderate-income communities.

posted 05/21/2015 by St. Louis

Key Findings from the Fed’s Consumers and Mobile Financial Services 2015 Report

Tune in to this May 14, 2015, Connecting Communities® webinar to learn more about how consumers use their mobile phones for banking and everyday financial transactions. Speakers from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors will discuss findings from the recently issued report, Consumers and Mobile Financial Services 2015, the fourth Board report on the use of mobile financial services.

posted 05/07/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Best Practices in Program Evaluation and Learning

Interested in learning about evidence-based decision-making and its important role in program evaluation? View this May 2015 Connecting Communities® webinar. Speakers—including Daniel Millimet from SMU and Moira Inkelas from UCLA—share the intuition behind the methods used and the available models that can be applied in practice, especially in complex and even trying conditions.

posted 05/05/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

How Can a CDC Transform a Neighborhood Through Affordable Housing?

In this video supplement to the April 2015 issue of the Minneapolis Fed's Community Dividend publication, Mary Keefe, executive director of Minneapolis-based community development corporation Hope Community, describes how her organization is using affordable housing to revitalize a once-abandoned intersection in the inner city. 

posted 04/28/2015 by Minneapolis

Key Findings from the Federal Reserve’s 2014 Joint Small Business Credit Survey

Interested in learning about the Fed’s joint small business credit survey? During this Connecting Communities® webinar, from April 30, 2015, members of the survey team discuss its results and present findings that provide insight into the dynamics behind aggregate lending trends. Experts include Claire Kramer Mills, assistant vice president at the New York Fed, and Theresa Singleton, vice president at the Philadelphia Fed.

posted 04/17/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Sharing Economy Boosts Consumer Well-Being

Although the new "sharing economy" has raised its share of controversy, a presentation at the Atlanta Fed highlighted some of the benefits of these peer-to-peer markets. During a recent forum, New York University Professor Arun Sundararajan discussed one especially promising benefit—the potential to "democratize a higher standard of living." This article and series of brief video interviews with Sundararajan describes these services and how they are using technology to connect supply and demand in new ways.

posted 04/07/2015 by Atlanta

The Demographics of Wealth — Essay No. 1: Race, Ethnicity and Wealth

This first essay in the Center for Household Financial Stability’s “Demographics of Wealth” series examines the connection between race or ethnicity and wealth accumulation over the past quarter-century. The essay is the result of an analysis of data collected from more than 40,000 heads of households between 1989 and 2013 through the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances.

posted 03/12/2015 by St. Louis

Expanding Access to Healthy Food: New Data, New Ideas, New Directions

Roughly 30 million Americans live in communities without adequate access to healthy food. This Connecting Communities® webinar offers fresh perspectives on understanding and addressing food-access issues. Experts include Shelly Ver Ploeg, Senior Economist, U.S.D.A.; Mark Kudlowitz, Director of Programs and Native Initiatives, U.S Dept. of the Treasury; and Yael Lehmann, Executive Director, The Food Trust.

posted 03/05/2015 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Connecting our Communities: Innovation at Work

The Richmond Fed's Community Development office presented a five-person panel breakout session at the 30th Annual Emerging Issues Forum in Raleigh, North Carolina. Panelists explored innovations for Community Development Corporations, rural communities and funding initiatives.

posted 02/20/2015 by Richmond

Financing our Market and Community Innovations

During the “Financing our Market and Community Innovation” panel, participants shared the latest innovations in investment and financing communities and small businesses, including innovative ways to raise, deploy and facilitate capital to meet local community economic goals that align with investor goals and objectives and provide a direct return on their investments.The panel was presented at the 30th Annual Emerging Issues Forum in Raleigh, North Carolina.

posted 02/20/2015 by Richmond

How Do Community Data Intermediaries Help Neighborhoods?

In this video, a supplement to the Minneapolis Fed’s January 2015 issue of Community Dividend, see how the University of Minnesota Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, or CURA, uses data from sources like the City of Minneapolis to help community groups understand neighborhood conditions.

posted 02/09/2015 by Minneapolis

A Promising Approach: Improving Graduation Rates and Building a Better Workforce

High school graduation rates can have a broad effect on an area's economic vitality. How can communities implement programs to help students graduate while also providing work skills? Mike Beatty, of Great Promise Partnership, and Mike Wiggins, formerly of Southwire Company, discuss an exemplary model in an Economic Development podcast from January 2015.

posted 01/20/2015 by Atlanta

Connecting People to Work: Lessons Learned in Sectoral Approaches

How can sector-based workforce development strategies address the needs of both employers and job seekers? Maureen Conway of the Aspen Institute and Fred Dedrick of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions discuss a recent book on this topic in an Economic Development podcast from November 2014.

posted 12/29/2014 by Atlanta

From Indicators to Action: Spurring Community Engagement through Data

How can you effectively use data to improve planning, engagement, and operations in your community? In this Connecting Communities webinar, experts from the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP) share strategic approaches they have used to improve community data use and discuss their experiences in using integrated community data systems and neighborhood-level indicators.

posted 12/09/2014 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

In the Shadow of the Great Recession: Experiences and Perspectives of Young Workers

Young adults in the U.S. have experienced higher rates of unemployment and lower rates of labor force participation than the general population for at least two decades. The Great Recession exacerbated this phenomenon. Despite a substantial labor market recovery, vulnerable populations—including the nation’s young adults—continue to experience higher rates of unemployment. In this Connecting Communities webinar from January 8, 2015, experts focus on these issues and spotlight key findings from a recently issued Fed report.

posted 12/09/2014 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Competition to Incentivize Community Change: Working Cities Challenge

Massachusetts' Working Cities Challenge seeks to spur collaborative leadership in the state's smaller cities and help improve low-income residents' quality of life. Prabal Chakrabarti, from the Boston Fed, and Jessica Andors, from Lawrence Community Works, discuss the initiative in an Economic Development podcast from June 2014.

posted 11/10/2014 by Atlanta

Strategies to Mitigate Rural Poverty Using Human and Social Capital

One outcome of the recent recession is that rural poverty rates are the highest since the mid-1980s. Mil Duncan, founding director of the University of New Hampshire's Carsey Institute, discusses the issues facing the rural poor in this Economic Development podcast from August 2014.

posted 11/10/2014 by Atlanta

Looking Around the Corner: The Future of Economic Development

How can local economic development strategies evolve to address demographic changes, technological innovation, and increasing global competitiveness? Dan Gundersen, a former senior commerce official, and Rick Weddle, president of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, discuss the topic in a new Economic Development podcast from October 2014. Read the transcript, stream the conversation, or download it to your mp3 player.

posted 11/10/2014 by Atlanta

Measuring What Matters: Tracking Success in Economic Development

How can economic development practitioners best measure and track their strategies' outcomes? Tim Chase, of the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition, and Swati Ghosh, of the International Economic Development Council, discuss their research findings on assessing success in this Economic Development podcast from May 2014.

posted 11/10/2014 by Atlanta

Economic Gardening: A Homegrown Approach to Growth

How effective are economic development strategies that seek to grow local entrepreneurship and small businesses? Todd Johnson at Gallup and Dell Gines at the Kansas City Fed explore the successes and challenges associated with this approach in this Economic Development podcast from April 2014.

posted 11/10/2014 by Atlanta

Should Microbusinesses Matter to Your Local Community?

Microbusinesses are not only a proven vehicle for jobs creation, but they also promote economic growth. An Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) report suggests their size and impact has implications for local economic development. Hear what Kim Alleyne, at AEO, highlights from the report in this Economic Development podcast from July 2014.

posted 11/10/2014 by Atlanta

Microenterprises Raise the Floor and Build a Ladder

Some 31 million people are employed in U.S. microenterprises, businesses with five or fewer employees. Do these companies create good jobs with potential career advancement? The Aspen Institute's Joyce Klein and Luz Gomez discuss a report on this topic in this Economic Development podcast from September 2014.

posted 11/10/2014 by Atlanta

Understanding Community Development Needs through the Performance Context

Robust community development research, or performance context, is an important part of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) examination process, as it identifies needs and opportunities that exist within LMI neighborhoods and creates a framework for evaluating a bank’s performance in meeting community needs. This Connecting Communities webinar from December 2014  provides useful information about the performance context—what it means and why it matters—from both a regulator's and a banker's perspective.

posted 11/07/2014 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Helping Small Businesses Access Credit through Participation Loans

Tune in to this Connecting Communities webinar from Nov. 5, 2014, to learn more about participation lending and how such financing can benefit small businesses. Experts highlight some small-business loans that were done in partnership and examine how these types of loans—issued together by both a traditional financial institution and an alternative lender—can be an important part of the credit market picture for small businesses in underserved areas.

posted 10/28/2014 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

The Effectiveness of Pre-Purchase Homeownership Counseling

This insightful Connecting Communities webinar focused on the impact that pre-purchase counseling has on improving creditworthiness over time. Participants heard key findings from the Philadelphia Fed’s recently released longitudinal study on the effectiveness of pre-purchase counseling. Leading experts highlighted effective and innovative counseling models being implemented around the country, shared perspectives on resources to support these programs, and provided insight on future policy implications.

posted 10/22/2014 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Innovations that Enhance Financial Capability and Engagement

In this Exploring Innovation in Community Development webinar, national experts from CFSI, D2D Fund and PayPerks discuss innovative practices that translate financial knowledge into financial empowerment and greater access among LMI individuals. Learn about insights from behavioral economics used to promote financial health and stability; how video games and gamification can promote financial engagement and positive consumer outcomes; promising practices for promoting savings, including prize-linked efforts; and how incentive and rewards programs can boost financial capability, improve financial access and expand product usage.

posted 10/07/2014 by St. Louis

Promoting a Financial Capability Strategy to Increase the Financial Stability of Community College Students

Curious to learn more about strategies targeted toward helping community college students achieve financial stability? In this free Connecting Communities® webinar session, experts from institutions that have implemented newer strategies share insight on how they've helped students develop skills to manage their personal financial lives more effectively and be better positioned for financial decision-making in the future.

posted 10/01/2014 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

The Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households

Interested in learning about current issues affecting consumer financial well-being? Curious about what trends in household financial behaviors and sentiments have looked like since the recovery? In this August 26, 2014, Connecting Communities® webinar session, participants hear findings from a recently issued report covering results from the Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED) in 2013. Speakers include: Anna Alvarez Boyd, senior associate director; David Buchholz, assistant director; Max Schmeiser, senior economist; and Jeff Larrimore, economist, all from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

posted 08/21/2014 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

ioby (In Our BackYards)

Erin Barnes, co-founder and executive director of ioby, discusses how this crowd-resourcing platform for citizen-led neighbor-funded projects strengthens neighborhoods by supporting the leaders in them who want to make positive change. She provides examples of successful projects and tells you how to use ioby to get your ideas for change funded and up and running in your community.

posted 08/11/2014 by St. Louis

Kiva Zip

Featured in this 8 from the Eighth podcast is Jonny Price, senior director of Kiva Zip, a new pilot program that connects borrowers to lenders through crowdfunding. Learn how the Kiva Zip model helps underserved entrepreneurs in the US launch their small businesses by accessing the financial capital they need with zero-interest loans. Also discussed is the power of cultivating community and forging relationships between borrowers and lenders.

posted 08/11/2014 by St. Louis

Municipal Fiscal Challenges and Community Development: A PostIndustrial Perspective

In this one-hour webinar hosted by the Philadelphia Fed, Community Development Research Manager Keith Wardrip shares highlights from a special report, Fiscal Stress in the Small Postindustrial City: Causes, Consequences, and Implications for Community Development, which explores the fiscal challenges facing 10 small postindustrial cities in the Third Federal Reserve District. The webinar also includes on-the-ground insights from the Pennsylvania cities of Allentown and Lancaster.

posted 08/08/2014 by Philadelphia

Investing in the Frontlines: Improving Employment Outcomes of Direct Caregivers in the Changing Healthcare Industry

Frontline healthcare workers are increasingly important because of their impact on the patient experience, provision of quality care, and expansion of services to the newly insured. While representing some of the fastest-growing job categories, these positions are often marked by low wages, few benefits and difficult working conditions. This Connecting Communities® webinar, held on August 14, 2014, explored new research findings on how the Affordable Care Act is affecting these caregivers, as well as effective practices and policies for strategically investing in these positions to increase outcomes for employees, employers and patients.

posted 08/01/2014 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

How Can CDFIs Help Small Businesses Meet Their Challenges?

This video, produced by the Minneapolis Fed, shows how specialized entities called community development financial institutions, or CDFIs, are uniquely positioned to help businesses in low- and moderate-income communities survive disruptions, such as the construction of a light rail transit line in Minneapolis-St. Paul. (A supplement to the July 2014 issue of Community Dividend.)
 

posted 07/28/2014 by Minneapolis

The Next Frontier of Community Development Finance: Pay for Success and Social Impact Bonds

Want to learn more about “pay for success” models (including social impact bonds) and their potential use in the community development field? In this Connecting Communities® webinar from July 24, 2014, community development practitioners from across the country, including featured speaker Ian Galloway from the San Francisco Fed, share how these models allow government agencies to gain improved social outcomes, not just program outputs.

posted 07/10/2014 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Spotlight on the Fed’s Community Development Work and a Discussion of Promising Opportunities for the Field

Learn more about the latest trends in community development in this one-hour Connecting Communities® webinar, held on July 10, 2014. National experts discuss ways the Federal Reserve promotes community development, and point to promising approaches and useful industry resources.

posted 07/02/2014 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

SOCAP Health: Creating the Market that Values Health

The U.S. spends $2.7 trillion each year on health care—yet we are raising a generation of children who may live shorter and sicker lives than their parents. On June 25 and 26, 2014, the San Francisco Fed, SOCAP, the New York Academy of Medicine and the Building Healthy Places Network convened in NYC to explore the untapped market for improving health. In this streamed video of that event, learn how health systems, social systems and innovative solutions are improving health in low-income communities; meet entrepreneurs and policymakers working at the intersection of finance and health; and hear from organizations whose investments are generating economic gains and improvements in health and well-being.

posted 06/12/2014 by San Francisco

2014 National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference

This conference is the premier training and networking event for community development professionals, including CRA officers, CDFIs, nonprofits and government officials. The 2014 program featured a keynote presentation by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen; innovations in community development policy and practice; CRA examination training; the National Community Development Lending School; and Community development tours of Chicago. Click to watch videos of keynotes, select sessions, and attendee interviews.

posted 05/22/2014 by Chicago, San Francisco

Webinar: Student Loan Debt in the Third Federal Reserve District: A Double-Edged Sword

In this 55-minute webinar hosted by the Philadelphia Fed, Community Development Research Manager Keith Wardrip shares highlights from a Cascade Focus report, Student Loan Trends in the Third Federal Reserve District, which looks at student borrowing in the Third Federal Reserve District and explores lending patterns, by the neighborhood income of the borrower, to better understand implications for low- and moderate-income communities. The webinar also includes on-the-ground insights from Clarifi, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit.

posted 05/22/2014 by Philadelphia

Reinventing Older Communities: Bridging Growth & Opportunity

In May 2014 the Philadelphia Fed and its cosponsors hosted the sixth biennial Reinventing Older Communities conference in Philadelphia, bringing together 465 community development stakeholders, bankers, government, business, and foundation leaders, policymakers, researchers and students from 25 states and the District of Columbia. The theme of the conference, Bridging Growth and Opportunity, was explored through plenary discussions, concurrent workshops, and keynote addresses, with an emphasis on innovative strategies and tools that create opportunity-rich communities inclusive of low- and moderate-income people. Presentations, audiorecordings and videos are available on the Philadelphia Fed’s Reinventing Older Communities website.

posted 05/22/2014 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis

Addressing the Credit Impacts of Foreclosure

This Connecting Communities session, hosted by the San Francisco Fed, discusses the issues faced by households and communities after foreclosure with an emphasis on tools for rebuilding credit. Experts discuss the multifaceted process of foreclosure recovery and the impact on credit scores, and provide insight into the credit counseling industry and tools available to address credit rebuilding.

posted 05/16/2014 by San Francisco

Strategic Use of Data for Transforming Community Investment

This Connecting Communities session, hosted by the Fed's Board of Governors along with the Cleveland and Richmond Fed Banks, explores creative uses of data and technology to promote public and private investment in transitional communities—those with significant, perhaps erstwhile, strengths and assets but also declining housing values and population. Presentations include innovative, cost-effective, market-based strategies used to inform local decision-making, mobilize support and attract investment.

posted 05/14/2014 by Cleveland, Richmond, Board of Governors

Smaller Cities that Think Big: Lessons from Resurgent and Transforming Cities

This Connecting Communities session highlights research from the Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia Feds on older industrial cities, with a focus on smaller cities. Presenters share findings from various research initiatives and engage the audience in thinking about how to build a network of practitioners and policymakers around smaller industrial cities.

posted 05/14/2014 by Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago

REO Management and Disposition Policies and Procedures

During the financial crisis, the Federal Reserve Board reminded banking institutions and examiners (under its supervision) of the regulations and policies associated with Real Estate Owned (REO) property. This Connecting Communities session conveys the purpose for these policies and discusses implementation issues to ensure that institutional practices do not adversely impact consumers and communities.

posted 05/14/2014 by Board of Governors

Effective Land Banking Strategies for Different Housing Markets

Land banks have emerged as flexible housing-stabilization tools used to manage excess residential property. Tune in to this Connecting Communities audioconference to explore how land banks can best operate, given their local housing and demographic conditions.

posted 05/14/2014 by Minneapolis

Independent Foreclosure Review: What You Need to Know

Thousands of homeowners that were in foreclosure in 2009 or 2010 were eligible for compensation or other remedy due to foreclosure errors.During this 2012 Connecting Communities audioconference, presenters provided an overview of the Independent Foreclosure Review (IFR) agreement, including who was eligible and how to request a review. Additional information was provided to homeowners who might be eligible for a review, as well as resources for housing counselors

posted 05/14/2014 by Board of Governors

Independent Foreclosure Review: Important Changes

This Connecting Communities audioconference, hosted by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, provides additional details on the $9.3 Billion payment agreement reached in 2013 with thirteen mortgage servicers subject to the Independent Foreclosure Review (IFR).  As a result of the agreement, participating servicers replaced the IFR with a broader framework allowing eligible borrowers to receive compensation more quickly.

posted 05/14/2014 by Board of Governors

Findings from 2011 FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households

This Connecting Communities audioconference focused on the findings of the 2011 FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households, released in September 2012, which collected data on the number of U.S. households that are unbanked and underbanked, their demographic characteristics, and their reasons for being unbanked and underbanked.

posted 05/14/2014 by St. Louis

New Perspectives on Household Balance Sheets: Why They Matter for Families and Economic Growth

What’s the state of the household balance sheets, and why do they matter for family well-being and for economic growth? What can policymakers, researchers, and practitioners and others do to improve them? The St. Louis Fed has developed a new framework around Household Financial Stability (HFS) with a focus on these very issues. Learn more about this initiative, including new findings about losses in household wealth following the Great Recession, on this Connecting Communities audioconference.

posted 05/14/2014 by St. Louis

From Recession Through Recovery: The changing conditions of low- to moderate-income America

This Connecting Communities audioconference, hosted by the Kansas City Fed, presents findings from quarterly survey data on how the low- and moderate-income (LMI) population has been affected by the Great Recession and subsequent recovery.

posted 05/14/2014 by Kansas City

Filling the Gaps: Summit on Small Business Credit Innovations

The small business credit market is changing rapidly, with new products and new players targeting small and mid-size firms’ needs. This May 2014 summit convened business leaders and policymakers at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for a candid conversation about how to maximize opportunities from credit innovations and minimize risk. View presentations and the recorded webcast.

posted 05/12/2014 by New York

Workforce Development and the Community Reinvestment Act: Strengthening Awareness and Use Towards Common Goals

This Connecting Communities session hosted by the Kansas City Fed explored how the CRA can support workforce development outcomes. Insight into how the CRA has been used by workforce investment boards was discussed based on findings from a survey of workforce development professionals. An overview of the CRA provided the basis for identifying additional options for extending its use to support workforce programs.

posted 05/12/2014 by Kansas City

Healthy Communities: Exploring the Intersection of Community Development and Health

Here’s a startling fact: ZIP codes are more important than genetic codes in determining health. This Connecting Communities audioconference, hosted by the San Francisco Fed, offered examples of successful partnerships between the community development and health sectors. Also, learn how federal policies (e.g., Affordable Care Act, nonprofit hospital Community Benefit obligation) may create opportunities for future collaboration.

posted 05/12/2014 by San Francisco

How Can the Arts Contribute to Community Development?

Investments in local arts and culture can create social, human, and economic capital. In this video from the Minneapolis Fed, learn how a youth arts organization in Minneapolis unites creativity and community building. (A supplement to the April 2014 issue of Community Dividend.)

posted 05/05/2014 by Minneapolis

Economic and Small Business Development Webinars

This Kansas City Fed webinar explores how entrepreneurship-based economic development strategies can help build healthy economies and a strong economic future.

posted 04/28/2014 by Kansas City

CDFI Resources

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are specialized financial institutions operating in markets that are underserved by traditional financial institutions. This section of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond's website provides information on CDFIs, with a particular focus on the Southeast region of the U.S. In addition, it includes a dedicated section on CDFI banks, also known as Community Development Banks (CDBs). Resources include webinars, data tables, reports, regulations, etc.

posted 04/25/2014 by Richmond

Kansas City Fed's Forum on Community Development

The  Community Development Forum highlights the Bank’s initiatives, resources and programs for community and economic development. Topics include workforce needs, developing public-private partnerships, community development research, neighborhood stabilization and entrepreneurial communities.

posted 04/25/2014 by Kansas City

Participation Loans: How Bankers are Growing their Loans and Lending Partnerships

This webinar is aimed at sharing information with “traditional bankers” who may wish to know more about alternative lenders (such as micro lenders, community loan funds, CDFIs, and revolving loans) and how they can either partner with these lenders on participation loans or how they can maintain better customer service by referring to alternative sources those that they are unable to do in-house. A fourth webinar in the Richmond Fed's Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Building Capacity series.

posted 04/25/2014 by Richmond

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis

During this 8 from the Eighth podcast, Faith Sandler, executive director of The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, discusses the organization’s commitment to providing access to postsecondary education to members of the community who would otherwise not have the financial means to fulfill their educational goals. The Foundation furthers this mission by, among other things, furnishing financial support to students for postsecondary education and providing information needed to make financially sound educational choices.

posted 04/23/2014 by St. Louis

Louisville’s 55,000 Degrees

In this 8 from the Eighth podcast, Mary Gwen Wheeler, executive director of 55,000 Degrees, Louisville, Ky.’s multi-sector public-private partnership dedicated to increasing educational attainment levels, discusses how her organization is striving to make education a key factor in helping to move Louisville’s citizens forward and boosting the region’s overall economic outlook, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration as the cornerstone of the initiative.

posted 04/23/2014 by St. Louis

Six Myths About the Future of Small Towns

Milan Wall, co-director of the Heartland Center for Leadership Development in Lincoln, Neb., shares the struggles of many small towns and rural communities in this 8 from the Eighth podcast. Small towns are challenged to find ways to retain jobs, as well as to keep their best and brightest residents from moving away to nearby cities. Although their future may seem bleak, many of these communities have managed to overcome the “six myths about the future of small towns”—a list formulated by the Heartland Center.

posted 04/23/2014 by St. Louis

Transforming Communities Through Creative Placemaking

Creative placemaking—a strategy for public and private partners to work together to shape the physical and social character of a neighborhood, town, city or region through the arts and cultural activities—can be an effective component of economic development programs, attracting investments, residents and visitors; supporting local businesses; providing jobs; and generating revenue for local government. During this Exploring Innovation in Community Development audioconference, national experts on creative placemaking and representatives from urban and rural nonprofits discussed how they are using this strategy to revitalize and transform their communities.

posted 04/23/2014 by St. Louis

Eighth District Housing Market Update

Presenters for this Exploring Innovation in Community Development audioconference discussed the outlook for the economy, housing markets and mortgage performance in the Eighth Federal Reserve District and the nation. They take a detailed look at home prices, mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures, and described the necessary conditions for these markets to stabilize. Produced in November 2012.

posted 04/23/2014 by St. Louis

Economic Development in Rural Communities

A model for rural community-based philanthropy and community building has emerged from the work of Community Foundation of the Ozarks. The foundation is leveraging resources, providing training to strengthen the nonprofit sector and increasing the capacity of citizens to lead. This Exploring Innovation in Community Development audioconference provided information about mission-related investing (MRI) in a rural environment; rural schools as a linchpin issue in rural economic development; and the empowerment of youth to positively impact their community.

posted 04/23/2014 by St. Louis

Neighborhood Business District Revitalization: Making Sure the Dollars Stay at Home

Lack of retail opportunities, along with vacant and boarded-up retail properties, contribute to safety concerns and other negative perceptions of inner-city communities. After decades of disinvestment, many neighborhoods are beginning to experience new retail activity. This Exploring Innovation in Community Devleopment audioconference provides information about the challenges and rewards of urban retail development; art as a tool to revitalize a neighborhood’s business district; and the importance of preserving independent retailers in a neighborhood.

posted 04/23/2014 by St. Louis

Pay for Success Financing: Transitioning to a Performance-Driven Social Sector

Participants in this Exploring Innovation in Community Development audioconference learned about the first state-level PFS pilot—the Massachusetts Juvenile Justice Social Innovation Financing (SIF) Project. The pilot focuses on reducing incarceration rates among high-risk young men who were formerly involved in the justice system. Third Sector Capital Partners was selected as the intermediary in a $25 million PFS project with Roca, an evidence-based service provider. Principals in this PFS contract provided a diversity of perspectives on how policymakers, investors, service providers and foundations can better understand their roles in future PFS transactions.

posted 04/23/2014 by St. Louis

The Policy Landscape of Mississippi

The Coalition for a Prosperous Mississippi has partnered with several organizations to improve the quality of life for residents and identify opportunities to support effective policies for asset development. Participants in this Exploring Innovation in Community Development audioconference learned about the overall policy landscape in Mississippi and how organizations are working to advance asset building by educating, informing and promoting policy change among low-wealth individuals and families within the state.

posted 04/23/2014 by St. Louis

Women’s Business Center of North Alabama

In this 8 From the Eighth Podcast, Joanne Randolph, president and CEO of the Women’s Business Center of North Alabama, shares how start-ups and expanding small businesses can get support services—including guidance regarding marketing, management, finance and strategic planning—from technical assistance providers.

posted 04/23/2014 by St. Louis

Neighborhoods and Residential Markets

These video recordings feature regional and national panelists from the conference “Neighborhoods and Residential Markets - Comprehensive Community Development in the Metropolitan Context.” Panelists discuss exploring ways in which neighborhoods within metropolitan areas are linked to one another through flows of population and investment from neighborhood to neighborhood, and how regional policymakers and community developers can work together to influence these flows to produce better neighborhoods and regions.

posted 04/23/2014 by Chicago

Neighborhoods and Labor Markets

These video recordings are of panel discussions from the conference “Neighborhoods and Labor Markets - Comprehensive Community Development in the Metropolitan Context.” The “disappearance of work” in lower-income and predominately minority neighborhoods of America’s cities has been linked to a host of social ills. Recent research suggest that neighborhood employment rates are tied to factors such as the thinness of employment networks, racial discrimination in hiring and the failures of public education  Panelists discuss how community developers are responding and highlight successes in adopting community-centered or community-mediated solutions to these basic labor market failures.

posted 04/23/2014 by Chicago

Connecting to Markets

These video recordings are of panel discussions from the conference “Connecting to Markets Conference – Exploring Low-Income Neighborhoods in the Regional Context.” As discussed in this series, neighborhoods throughout metropolitan areas function very differently from one another--some are primarily residential neighborhoods that, in effect, export labor; others contain industrial, commercial and retail districts where goods and services are produced and consumed. Lower-income neighborhoods often fail on both counts, neither exporting labor nor acting as production centers that draw employees and consumers from other parts of the metropolitan area.  Panelists in this session take on some of the hard questions around low-income neighborhood connections to the regional economy.

posted 04/23/2014 by Chicago

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Summit on Regional Competitiveness Webcast

This Summit convened premier leaders of business, government and academia to address the core components, efficiencies and points of coordination for four key economic drivers for sustainable growth. These drivers included: matching skills to jobs; innovation; transportation and logistics; and increasing the region’s competitiveness through green growth.  The discussion focused on the tri-state region of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.

posted 04/23/2014 by Chicago

Regional Home Ownership Preservation Initiative

This blog provides a recap of the conference held in January 2013, entitled, “Single-Family Rental Housing: Managing the Next Step of the Foreclosure Crisis”, which focused on Chicago’s affordable rental housing market (single-family to 50-unit buildings). The conference was hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and organized by the Woodstock Institute and other partners in the Regional Home Ownership Preservation Initiative (RHOPI).

posted 04/23/2014 by Chicago

The Central Premise

From the nation’s central bank comes a team of bloggers with a central premise: The Fed works toward the economic well-being of all. Join us for a discussion of what’s going on in our economy and our communities. Share your thoughts within the reply section of the blog hosted by the Boston Fed. We want to hear from you.

posted 04/22/2014 by Boston

Off the Beaten Path: The Economic Impact of Rural Tourism

During this Exploring Innovation in Community Development audioconference, presenters explain how rural communities across the country are using tourism to create economic opportunities and diversify their resources.

posted 04/21/2014 by St. Louis

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership – A Showcase for Collaboration

Introduced in July 2012, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership is a result of a coordinated effort between Cook County and the city of Chicago to broaden the reach of workforce development services for employers and job seekers by reducing costs, improving services, and engaging the business community. Quarterly reports analyze where the jobs are and who is hiring in Cook County. Data helps public and private officials, economists, academics, and others to better understand hiring needs across the region.

posted 04/21/2014 by Chicago

Manufacturing Better Opportunity & A Stronger Economy

This blog provides a recap of two Wisconsin Economic Development Forums, held in autumn 2013, that focused on workforce development. Each forum featured a panel discussion on workforce development comprised of industry and policy leaders discussing practice, opportunities and policies to build a stronger manufacturing sector.  The Chicago Fed partnered with the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP) and The Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS) to co-host these events.

posted 04/21/2014 by Chicago

Redefining Rust Belt: The Local Impact of Anchor Institutions in Detroit, Baltimore, Cleveland and Philadelphia

This blog provides a recap of discussion points made at a recent Redefining “Rust Belt” videoconference.  The discussion, hosted by the Federal Reserve Banks of Richmond, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Chicago-Detroit Branch, focused on the roles of anchor institutions and cultural and art organizations in the revitalization of urban neighborhoods. This is the second exchange in a series between the four cities on strategies to attract new residents and investments.

posted 04/21/2014 by Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Chicago

Evolution of the Ecosystem: State Workforce Development Agencies

State workforce development agencies are crucial in deploying federal funding related to job training and placement. In this March 2014 Economic Development podcast, Rich Hobbie of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies and Burt Barnow of George Washington University explore how these agencies are evolving as funding streams change.

posted 04/18/2014 by Atlanta

Help for Difficult to Employ Populations: Colocating Jobs and Training Opportunities

Can business models be designed to support low-income populations by providing jobs, necessary training, and other support services? In a February 2014 Economic Development podcast, Carla Javits and Jason Trimiew at the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund discuss their proposal for viable businesses that also include a workforce development component.

posted 04/18/2014 by Atlanta

Global and Local Reach: Gauging the Impact of Immigration

What are the economic development implications of immigration, and how can communities leverage immigrants as key workforce assets? Denny Coleman of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and Michael Iacovazzi-Pau of Greater Louisville Inc. discuss findings from a recent IEDC report in a January 2014 Economic Development podcast.

posted 04/18/2014 by Atlanta

2014 Minnesota Healthy Communities Conference: Measuring Our Impact

This November 2014 event brought together national and regional leaders in the health and community development sectors to explore joint efforts for building healthier communities. Sessions focused on frameworks and measurements for assessing how community development projects influence community health. Hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, LISC Twin Cities, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation, Healthy Futures Fund, Wilder Research, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

posted 04/16/2014 by Minneapolis

Small Business and the Modern Workplace

What are the challenges facing small business after the Great Recession? Ty Barksdale of Sutton Bank and Jake Rouch of Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership describe demands of the current workplace, including that workers be adaptable, collaborative, agile, and entrepreneurial, in a December 2013 Economic Development podcast.

 

posted 04/09/2014 by Atlanta

Small Businesses, Big Effects: Investing in Microenterprises

Microenterprise development initiatives can help to create and grow businesses and, in many cases, much needed jobs. Elaine Edgcomb and Tamra Thetford at the Aspen Institute discuss their proposal for encouraging microenterprise investment as a job creation strategy in a November 2013 Economic Development podcast.

 

posted 04/09/2014 by Atlanta

What Workers Really Think: Perspectives from the Front Lines

Attracting and retaining workers is vital to the success of employers and communities. Carl Van Horn of Rutgers University's Heldrich Center for Workforce Development discusses the center's research on U.S. workers' perspectives on employment conditions and the future of the workplace in the October 2013 Economic Development podcast.

 

posted 04/09/2014 by Atlanta

Housing Market and Mortgage Conditions in the Ninth District

View current trends in mortgage performance, mortgage originations, and home prices in the Ninth Federal Reserve District and nationwide. This web page from the Minneapolis Fed features graphs, maps, and synopses based on data from two major mortgage-tracking firms, plus an archive of housing-related articles and research.

posted 04/04/2014 by Minneapolis

Equity-Driven Expansion: A Unique Model for Economic Development

Large-scale economic development strategies can help facilitate job opportunities for low-income and minority populations. In this September 2013 Economic Development podcast, Victor Rubin and Sarah Treuhaft at PolicyLink discuss their proposal that infuses economic inclusion into these strategies as part of the "Big Ideas for Job Creation" project.

posted 04/04/2014 by Atlanta

Solving the Revitalization Puzzle? Putting the Pieces Together

Some economic development efforts have expanded beyond traditional strategies to address a more comprehensive set of issues, including neighborhood revitalization. In this August 2013 Economic Development podcast, Shirley Franklin, CEO of Purpose Built Communities and former Atlanta mayor, discusses an approach that encompasses many stakeholders and yields beneficial community results.

 

posted 04/04/2014 by Atlanta

Aligning Regional Workforce Efforts: An Effective Industry-Informed Strategy

Regional collaboration can be an effective approach in responding to labor demands of local employers. In this July 2013 Economic Development podcast, Laura Chandler of the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council and Sam Covert of the Mobile Area Educational Foundation discuss how robust coordination among local workforce development players leads to more successful management of industry partnerships.

 

posted 04/04/2014 by Atlanta

CDFI Resources

A web page from the Minneapolis Fed for individuals and organizations that want to connect with and learn more about community development financial institutions, or CDFIs. Featuring CDFI-related news, a timeline illustrating the history of the CDFI industry, an archive of relevant articles and reports, and more.

posted 03/21/2014 by Minneapolis

Getting Back In Gear: Better Ways to Move Stalled and Vacant Foreclosures Forward

The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland hosted a one-day seminar to explore the challenge of stalled and vacant foreclosures from the perspectives of servicers, communities, courts and policymakers. We defined the problem, discussed specific challenges, and dissected examples of successfully dealing with stalled and vacant foreclosures in order to replicate these practices elsewhere. Video of all sessions is available on Youtube.

posted 03/21/2014 by Cleveland

CRA: Building Culture That Yields Credit

Presenters at this Exploring Innovation in Community Development audioconference explained the fundamental purpose of the CRA and why it’s still relevant today, how implementation of the Act has evolved over the years, and strategic ways to help organizations understand and embrace a CRA-minded culture that often yields credit during bank examinations. Speakers included Theresa Stark, Federal Reserve Board of Governors; Meredith Anderson, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; and Tom Reeves, Pulaski Bank.

posted 03/18/2014 by St. Louis

Crowdfunding: Local Money

This Exploring Innovation in Community Development audioconference examines crowdfunding (also called crowdsourcing or project-based funding), meaning nonprofit, community-based and not regulated by the SEC. Learn what crowdfunding is, why local money ownership and management are important, how it works and the current state of the field. Hear how crowdfunding contributes to local well-being and how a community or neighborhood may begin a crowdfunding initiative.

posted 03/18/2014 by St. Louis

Developing the Entrepreneurial Community

During this Exploring Innovation in Community Development audioconference, presenters help to disassemble the complexities of creating an entrepreneurial community to show how any city or region can help to generate more entrepreneurs and small businesses. Participants learn about such topics as: leadership needed to cultivate entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial development strategies, creating a long-term, sustainable ecosystem of entrepreneurs and characteristics of strong entrepreneurial communities.

posted 03/18/2014 by St. Louis

Developing a Small Business: Innovative Strategies

During this Exploring Innovation in Community Development audioconference, participants heard from organizations that are implementing innovative strategies to promote and foster entrepreneurial advancement for small and microbusinesses. Speakers included: Gar Kelley, Association for Enterprise Opportunity, and Galen Gondolfi, Justine PETERSEN.

posted 03/18/2014 by St. Louis

Entrepreneurship in Rural America: A Road to Prosperity

This Connecting Communities audioconference explores the necessary components of an entrepreneurship-based economic development model, explains the underpinnings of this community development approach and offers several examples of what successful entrepreneurial initiatives look like across rural America. Speakers included Dell Gines, Senior Community Development Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City; and Don Macke, Co-Director, Center for Rural Entrepreneurship.

posted 03/18/2014 by St. Louis

Generation Debt: The Promise, Perils and Future of Student Loans

This symposium explored the reality and future of student loans in the St. Louis region and across the country. The event featured the nation’s top student-loan policymaker (Rohit Chopra from the CFPB), leading and innovative researchers, a college president and groups representing young Americans. Post-event materials include a detailed agenda, speaker bios, conference videos, agenda with presentation slides, several speaker interviews, and media coverage of the event.

posted 03/13/2014 by St. Louis

Investing in What Works: Dallas

This Dallas event highlights entrepreneurial approaches to community development and explores the expanding subject of social impact investing. The conference was inspired by the book, Investing in What Works for America's Communities, and was hosted by the Dallas Fed's Community Development department, Citi, Social Impact Architects and Social Venture Partners Dallas.

posted 03/10/2014 by Dallas

What is "Farm to School"?

More and more schools are using their local purchasing power to change the relationship students have with food. In this video from the Minneapolis Fed, hear from farm to school proponents and go behind the scenes in a school kitchen as seasonal dishes are prepared. (A supplement to the January 2014 issue of Community Dividend.)

posted 02/27/2014 by Minneapolis

The Early Stages: CDFI Start-Up Issues (Webinar)

A one-hour program on start up issues for community development financial institutions (CDFIs) featuring information on what you should know if you are considering applying for CDFI certification; where CDFIs can look for resources when capitalizing their funds; and advice from experienced CDFI leaders on what they found most important in their early years of operation. Presenters range from the United States Department of Treasury’s CDFI Fund to experienced CDFI leaders who will reflect on their early stages of growth.

posted 02/21/2014 by Richmond

Small Communities, Big Challenges: A 2013 Series on Problem Properties

The Cleveland Fed partnered with Greater Ohio Policy Center to host a series of webinars, which showcased specific strategies local and regional government officials and community development organizations can use to help stabilize and restore Ohio neighborhoods.

posted 02/19/2014 by Cleveland

Renters, Homeowners, and Investors: The Changing Profile of Communities

This one-day event convened experts from across the country on strategies to stabilize communities in the wake of the housing crisis. How has the profile of neighborhoods changed? Is homeownership still a viable part of the American dream? What role can and should private investors play? Watch videos of the panels and download presentations that address these questions and others.

posted 02/17/2014 by Philadelphia, Cleveland, Board of Governors

Case Management: A Holistic Approach to Asset Building

Today, many nonprofit organizations are adopting a holistic view of their clients’ needs, providing comprehensive case management or a coordination of services that assists low- and moderate-income families in achieving self-sufficiency and lifelong financial well-being. Hear from organizations that are implementing the case-management model as an effective asset-building tool during this Exploring Innovation in Community Development audioconference.

posted 02/15/2014 by St. Louis

Measuring Impact: Recent Advances in Program Evaluation

The Dallas Fed and researchers from Southern Methodist University provide an intuitive introduction to statistical issues associated with evaluating the causal effects of policies or public programs. Videos and presentations include numerous case studies with practical examples of evaluating and forecasting for government policymakers, private enterprises, nonprofit and other community organizations.

posted 02/12/2014 by Dallas

Working Cities Challenge

Together with Living Cities, the Boston Fed launched a unique challenge to smaller industrial cities in the Northeast: Expand collaborative leadership that leads to a comprehensive city vision and cross-sectoral partnerships. Cities competed for grant monies to fund their ideas. Learn more about the Working Cities Challenge -- which cities' bold platforms are being funded, and how might their futures, and those of their residents, be improved.

posted 02/11/2014 by Boston

Savvy Credit Video Festival

How can you make "financial literacy" appealing? For starters, corral some creative young minds and ask them to come up with ideas for promoting the importance and value of handling your personal finances well. The New York Fed hosted two recent video competitions among young adults in the New York metro area and in Puerto Rico. Check out the winning videos and get savvy about your credit use.

posted 02/11/2014 by New York

In the Neighborhood: Where Economic and Community Development Meet

Disinvested areas of cities must often combine community and economic development efforts to achieve the goals of both. In this June 2013 Economic Development podcast, Rick Sauer and Lynn Martin Haskin of the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations discuss how local institutions can support economic development at the neighborhood level.
 

posted 02/11/2014 by Atlanta

Employer and Lower-Wage Employee Perspectives on Training and Advancement

There is value for both the employee and employer in enhancing the skill sets of lower-wage workers. In this April 2013 Economic Development podcast, Mark Popovich of the Hitachi Foundation and Jenny Benz of the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research discuss findings of a recent study on this topic and implications for policy and practice.
 

posted 02/11/2014 by Atlanta

People-Centered Practices: Improving the Workforce Potential for Those with Disabilities

How can the workforce development system better respond to people with disabilities? Kathy Krepcio, of Rutgers' Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, and Michael Morris, of National Disability Institute, discuss innovative programs and policies designed to ensure this sector is poised to meet employers' labor needs in this May 2013 Economic Development podcast.
 

posted 02/11/2014 by Atlanta

Memphis' Start Co. Accelerates Entrepreneurial Action

In this interview from the St. Louis Fed's 8 from the Eighth podcast series, Eric Mathews, Memphis' Start Co. founder and CEO, discusses how his nonprofit is providing startup support from early concept to capacity building, to funding and investment.

posted 01/01/2014 by St. Louis

2013 Policy Summit on Housing, Human Capital, and Inequality

The Cleveland and Philadelphia Federal Reserve Banks offer video and presentations from their 2013 Policy Summit. Expert panels cover topics such as the new housing finance system, consumer and household finance, small business financing and nontraditional tools for neighborhood stabilization. Eldar Shafir, co-author of the recent book, Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much, shares behavioral science and economic research.

posted 12/31/2013 by Cleveland

$1 Trillion in Student Loan Debt: The Story Behind the Numbers

Student loan debt has surpassed the $1 trillion mark, and many students struggle to make their payments. This Connecting Communities audioconference session discusses the drivers of the rising levels of student loan debt, the reasons contributing to the increased volume of student loan delinquencies and defaults, the segment of student populations that may be especially impacted, and initiatives to address the needs of student borrowers.  Speakers included: Sandy Baum, The George Washington University; Rohit Chopra, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB); and Ajita Talwalker, U.S. Department of Education.

posted 12/31/2013 by St. Louis

Expanding the Philanthropic Investment Toolbox

Today, grants are not the only way for a foundation to positively impact a recipient organization. During this Exploring Innovation in Community Development audioconference, presenters address the impact and benefits of social investing, mission-related investments (MRIs) and program-related investments (PRIs) to both recipients and foundations.

posted 12/31/2013 by St. Louis

The 2012 National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference

Biennially, the San Francisco Fed partners with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund to host the National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference. In 2012, the conference was held in Seattle, WA. Agendas, interviews and videos are available on the San Franscisco Fed's website.

posted 12/31/2013 by San Francisco

Microfinance: Helping to Create First-time Entrepreneurs

How can microfinance--and successful models of its application--serve as a catalyst to increasing economic opportunity in low- to moderate-income communities in the U.S.? This Connecting Communities audioconference provides opportunities to hear about the diversity of the microfinance industry and learn about one successful model, the Grameen microfinance organization, founded in Bangladesh and replicated in developing countries. Speakers include: Tammie Hoy, Richmond Fed; Molly McGrath, Grameen America; Agnes Ubalde and Sarah Bennett, Wells Fargo; and Tracey Greene-Dorsett, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.

posted 12/31/2013 by St. Louis

Redefining RustBelt: The Role of Anchor Institutions and the Arts

This Connecting Communities audioconference featured the work that four Federal Reserve Banks (Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, and Richmond) have done to create a dialogue for older industrial cities that are working to attract new residents and investments. The session also focused on how anchor institutions can play a role in redefining communities. Speakers featured in this session included: Ted Howard, The Democracy Collaborative; Ellen Janes, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond; Mary Helen Petrus, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland; Amy Lempert, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia; and Robin Newberger, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

posted 12/31/2013 by Cleveland

Resilience and Rebuilding for Low-Income Communities: Research to Inform Policy and Practice

The 2013 Federal Reserve System Community Development Research Conference presented a unique forum for discussing key research, program, and policy strategies aimed at improving resiliency and rebuilding in low-income households and neighborhoods. The post-event materials include papers, presentations and videos; keynote remarks, speaker biographies and poster presentations,

posted 12/31/2013 by Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, San Francisco, Board of Governors

Women Entrepreneurs Mean Business

What are the current trends in female entrepreneurship? Alicia Robb, senior research fellow at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, discusses recent data on women-owned firms and the challenges and opportunities in expanding this sector in the Atlanta Fed's January 2013 Economic Development podcast.

posted 12/19/2013 by Atlanta