Place-Based Strategies: Strengthening Local Economies in Low-Income Communities
2026-04-02 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | This is a virtual-only event
Watch on demand

Where an individual lives can play a role in shaping their employment opportunities and interactions. While issues related to where a person is located have been overshadowed by issues related to an individual’s personal circumstances, this is starting to shift. In this seminar, we’ll bring together experts from research and policy to discuss how location affects job markets and can contribute to income inequality.

Introductory speakers

Angelyque CampbellSenior Associate DirectorFederal Reserve Board of Governors

Heidi KaplanLead Community Development AnalystFederal Reserve Board of Governors(moderator)

Panel speakers

Tim BartikCo-Director and Senior EconomistPolicies for Place Research CenterUpjohn Institute for Employment Research

Dana InmanPresident and CEOAtlanta Center for Self Sufficiency (ACSS) andChair, Metro Atlanta eXchange for Workforce Solutions

Emily Parker, Ph. D.Assistant ProfessorEdward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public PolicyRutgers University

2026 Federal Reserve Community Development Research Seminar Series

Where people live can affect their financial well-being and job prospects. This is especially true for residents of lower-income neighborhoods. Join us for the 2026 Federal Reserve Community Development Research Seminar Series, Place-Based Strategies: Strengthening Local Economies.

In this year’s three seminars, experts will share their research on job market conditions, the impact of community-focused strategies, and how investments can help local economies thrive.

Join us to explore how research and effective strategies can create opportunities that benefit local communities as a whole.

Addtional events:

Place-Based Strategies: Strengthening Rural Economies through Investment

Place-Based Strategies: Strengthening Local Economies through Labor Market Policies

Register

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Location

District Dialogues: How is the Economy, Really?
2026-04-07 08:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Baltimore Branch, 502 S. Sharp Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States
The Richmond Fed’s District Dialogues series brings together regional leaders, practitioners and community stakeholders for timely conversations about the economy. These events provide accessible, data-driven insights into current economic conditions and emerging trends shaping communities across the Fifth District.

This session, held at the Baltimore Branch of the Richmond Fed, will focus on the state of the economy with particular attention to Maryland and the greater Washington, D.C. metro area. Richmond Fed economists and local industry leaders will share the latest analysis on growth, labor markets, inflation and regional dynamics, and discuss what these trends mean for local businesses, workers and communities.

Whether you’re a business owner, community leader, policymaker, or simply interested in our local economy, this event will help connect national economic dynamics to local realities and offer practical insights into where the economy stands now and where it may be headed next.

This event is free to attend, but you must RSVP to secure your spot.

Registration Deadlines:

In Person: March 31, 2026

Virtual: April 7, 2026

Register

Speakers

Andy Bauer, Vice President and Regional Executive, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

John O’Trakoun, Senior Policy Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Jennifer Vey, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Greater Baltimore Committee

Daraius Irani, Vice President of Business and Public Engagement, Towson University

Agenda

8:30am – 9:00 am ET

Continental Breakfast and Networking

In Person

9:00 am – 10:30 am ET

Economic Update, Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A

In Person and Virutal Audiences

10:30 am – 11:00 am ET

Closing Remarks and Networking

In Person

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Location

This is a hybrid event.

Investing in Rural America: The Role of Community Colleges in Rural Workforce Development
2026-04-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | This is a virtual-only event
Community colleges play a critical role in expanding economic opportunity, particularly in rural communities. Join the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Center for Rural Economies for a virtual conversation exploring how community colleges are helping to strengthen rural workforce development and support local economies.

Each year, the Richmond Fed conducts the Survey of Community College Outcomes with the goal of providing a more holistic look at how community colleges are preparing their students for the workforce. The webinar will start by reviewing this year’s results and their implications. Following the presentation, community college presidents from rural-serving institutions will share their perspectives on building workforce pipelines, partnering with local employers, and supporting student success in their communities.

Together, the speakers will discuss the opportunities and barriers facing rural workforce development, as well as innovative strategies community colleges are using to connect students with in-demand careers within their communities.

Register

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Location

Investment Connection - Nebraska 2026
2026-04-09 11:30 - 13:45 (America/Chicago)
During Investment Connection, community development proposals that would receive CRA consideration are presented to potential funders. The lending and investment opportunities presented will be exclusively in Nebraska. Funding requests range from $25,000 to $2.5 million, and geographic target areas range from single community developments to statewide efforts.

Typical proposals address:

Affordable Housing

Asset Building, Financial Access, Capability and Empowerment

Broadband Services / Digital Inclusion

Community Services and Facilities

Disaster Relief

Small Business Development / Microlending

Workforce Development / Economic Development

Presenters have seven minutes to share information about their organization and proposal, followed by three minutes of questions from funders. This is a great way to learn about new and existing organizations and opportunities in community and economic development.

For additional information and testimonials about Investment Connection, please visit the Kansas City Fed’s Investment Connection page. The program is also featured in the Fed Communities three-part story series, Investment Connection: Getting to ‘We Have a Deal’.

Who should attend

This event is for the funding community including:

financial institutions

foundations

philanthropists

local, state and federal government

To participate, please contact

Rachael SurmickCommunity Development AdvisorFederal Reserve Bank of Kansas CityOmaha Branchrachael.surmick@kc.frb.org

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Connecting Communities: Unlocking the Voice of Small Businesses: New Insights from the 2025 Small Business Credit Survey
2026-04-09 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Event
Watch On-Demand

The  Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS) has been administered nationally since 2016 by the 12 Federal Reserve Banks in collaboration with a network of hundreds of community and business groups throughout the country. The SBCS gathers information from thousands of small-business owners on business conditions and characteristics, credit experiences, and owner demographics. It continues to be the largest national dataset of its kind, and its reports provide awareness of small business challenges and how owners respond to them.

Join us for an in-depth look at findings from the newly released 2026 Report on Employer Firms. During this webinar, we’ll explore key insights from the 2025 Small Business Credit Survey, including:

Business financing needs

Credit approval outcomes and challenges

Customer dynamics and trade activity

Adoption of artificial intelligence

Whether you work directly with small businesses, support economic development efforts, or are simply interested in understanding today’s small business landscape, this session will provide timely, data-driven perspectives.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with the report’s authors during a live Q&A session, bringing deeper context and clarity to the findings.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping small businesses nationwide.

Register

Speakers

Allison ClarkProject ManagerSmall Business Credit SurveyFederal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Hal MartinPolicy Economist and DirectorSmall Business Credit SurveyFederal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Ann Marie WierschPrincipal and Senior Policy AnalystFederal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Sergio GaleanoCommunity and Economic Development AdvisorFederal Reserve Bank of Atlanta(moderator)

Presented by

Location

About Connecting Communities®

Real people. Real research. Real conversations.

Connecting Communities is a Federal Reserve-sponsored webinar series providing timely information on community and economic development issues. It complements Fed community development outreach initiatives conducted through the 12 regional Reserve Banks and Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

Have questions about the program? Contact us.

Navigating Labor Market Trends: College and Career Readiness Resources for Educators
2026-04-13 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | This is a virtual-only event
Federal Reserve Education Webinar in Recognition of National Financial Literacy Month

Join Federal Reserve Education in recognizing National Financial Literacy Month by participating in an engaging and informative webinar designed to equip educators with the tools and knowledge to prepare students for success in today’s dynamic workforce. This webinar offers practical insights into labor market trends and shares ready-to-use resources for college and career readiness.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required by April 13, 9 a.m. ET. A recording will be available for registrants unable to attend the live webinar.

Register

Speakers

Justin Shadley, Senior Business Analyst, Research, Regional Economic Information Network, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta – Nashville Branch

Sarah Gunn, Outreach Manager, Community Development, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Andrea Caceres-Santamaria, Senior Economic Education Specialist, Research Economic Education, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Event Contacts

General Event InformationLesley Mace, Outreach Senior Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta – Birmingham Branch

Event Technology & ConnectivityAmanda Geiger, Senior Economic Education Specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Presented by

Location

Fed Talk: Amplifying Voices with the Small Business Credit Survey
2026-04-15 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Join us for a discussion of the latest Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS), administered in fall 2025, and the key findings from the recently released 2026 Report on Employer Firms: Findings from the 2025 Small Business Credit Survey.

Through the presentation, you will discover the key trends impacting small businesses, including

Their revenue and employment growth and expectations for future growth

Where owners are seeking funding and whether they can meet their financing needs

The impacts of changes in international trade and availability of artificial intelligence (AI) tools

The SBCS has been administered nationally since 2016 by the 12 Federal Reserve Banks in collaboration with community and business groups throughout the country. The survey gathers information from thousands of small business owners on business conditions and characteristics, credit experiences, and owner demographics. It continues to be the largest national dataset of its kind.

Speakers will take your questions after the presentation.

Register

Speakers

Hal Martin, Policy Economist and SBCS Director, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Ann Marie Wiersch, Senior Policy Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Moderator

Allison Clark, SBCS Project Manager, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Presented by

Location

Investment Connection - Oklahoma 2026
2026-04-16 11:30 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City – Oklahoma City Branch, Leadership Square, 211 N Robinson Avenue #300, Oklahoma City, OK, 73102, United States
During Investment Connection, community development proposals that would receive CRA consideration are presented to potential funders. The lending and investment opportunities presented will be exclusively in Oklahoma. Funding requests range from $25,000 to $2.5 million, and geographic target areas range from single community developments to statewide efforts.

Typical proposals address:

Affordable Housing

Asset Building, Financial Access, Capability and Empowerment

Broadband Services / Digital Inclusion

Community Services and Facilities

Disaster Relief

Small Business Development / Microlending

Workforce Development / Economic Development

Presenters have seven minutes to share information about their organization and proposal, followed by three minutes of questions from funders. This is an great way to learn about new and existing organizations and opportunities in community and economic development.

For additional information and testimonials about Investment Connection, please visit the Kansas City Fed’s Investment Connection page. The program is also featured in the Fed Communities three-part story series, Investment Connection: Getting to ‘We Have a Deal’.

Who should attend

This event is for the funding community including:

financial institutions

foundations

philanthropists

local, state and federal government

To participate, please contact

Jennifer ChadwickCommunity Development AdvisorFederal Reserve Bank of Kansas CityOklahoma City Branchjennifer.chadwick@kc.frb.org

Presented by

Location

Investment Connection - New Mexico 2026
2026-05-07 11:30 - 14:00 (America/Denver)
During Investment Connection, community development proposals that would receive CRA consideration are presented to potential funders. The lending and investment opportunities presented will be exclusively in New Mexico. Funding requests range from $25,000 to $2.5 million, and geographic target areas range from single community developments to statewide efforts.

Typical proposals address:

Affordable Housing

Asset Building, Financial Access, Capability and Empowerment

Broadband Services / Digital Inclusion

Community Services and Facilities

Disaster Relief

Small Business Development / Microlending

Workforce Development / Economic Development

Presenters have seven minutes to share information about their organization and proposal, followed by three minutes of questions from funders. This is a great way to learn about new and existing organizations and opportunities in community and economic development.

For additional information and testimonials about Investment Connection, please visit the Kansas City Fed’s Investment Connection page. The program is also featured in the Fed Communities three-part story series, Investment Connection: Getting to ‘We Have a Deal’.

Who should attend

This event is for the funding community including:

financial institutions

foundations

philanthropists

local, state and federal government

To participate, please contact

Ariel CisnerosCommunity Development AdvisorFederal Reserve Bank of Kansas CityDenver Branchariel.cisneros@kc.frb.org

Presented by

Connecting Communities: Bank On and Reaching the Unbanked in Our Communities
2026-05-07 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Event
Watch On-Demand

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), approximately 5.6 million households are without a checking or savings account – otherwise known as “unbanked.” Unbanked households lack a secure and safe place to store their money and can miss out on interest gains and credit-building opportunities.

Join us for a dynamic webinar featuring leaders from organizations focused on advancing banking access to households through safe and affordable accounts via the Bank On program. Panelists will also explore findings from the most recent Bank On National Data (BOND) Hub, hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

This interactive conversation will highlight

the benefits of having a bank account,

lessons learned in reaching unbanked and underbanked households,

strategies for building strong partnerships between financial institutions, local governments, and nonprofit organizations, and

how data can inform access to banking.

Whether you’re a financial institution, policymaker, nonprofit leader, researcher, or advocate, this session will provide practical insights to advancing financial access in your community.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with the panelists during a live Q&A session, bringing deeper context and clarity to the findings.

Related resources:

BOND Hub Interactive Data Tool

Bank On National Data Hub: Findings from 2024

A data hub shows how clients are using their “Bank On” accounts

Register

Speakers

Jeff LangkampSenior Vice PresidentBank Five Nine

Lisa LockeCommunity Development AdvisorFederal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

David RothsteinSenior PrincipalCities for Financial Empowerment Fund

Erin WaddellChairBank On Louisville

Sergio GaleanoCommunity and Economic Development AdvisorFederal Reserve Bank of Atlanta(moderator)

Presented by

Location

About Connecting Communities®

Real people. Real research. Real conversations.

Connecting Communities is a Federal Reserve-sponsored webinar series providing timely information on community and economic development issues. It complements Fed community development outreach initiatives conducted through the 12 regional Reserve Banks and Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

Have questions about the program? Contact us.

Rural Community Action Assembly: Planning for Data Center Development
2026-05-11 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | This is a virtual-only event
Data centers are expanding into rural America. Whether your community is exploring data center development or seeking to better understand this trend, this webinar will provide valuable context and practical perspectives to help you consider what data center expansion could mean for rural economies and how communities could prepare.

What You’ll Explore

Join expert practitioners and researchers as we explore data center expansion in rural communities, including:

potential economic costs and benefits of data center development;

workforce opportunities and skilled labor considerations;

regional competitiveness and community preparation strategies; and

real-world perspectives from communities experiencing this trend.

Featured Presenters

Matt Dunne, Founder and Executive Director, Center on Rural Innovation (Moderator)

Jim Ladlee, State Program Leader, Emerging and Advanced Technology, Pennsylvania State University

Mike Turner, Ashburn District Supervisor, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors

Who Should Attend?

This session is designed for rural economic and workforce development organizations, rural chambers of commerce, nonprofits working with low- and moderate-income communities, and anyone interested in the future of rural economies.

Register

About This SeriesThe Rural Community Action Assembly launched in 2020 to promote economic resilience and workforce development in rural Pennsylvania. Cohosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and Penn State’s Center for Economic and Community Development, this year’s series is free but requires registration. A video recording and event materials will be made available after the sessions. Participants can engage with peers, and all attendees are encouraged to join the conversation.

For questions, contact Philip Jones at philip.jones@phil.frb.org.

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Location

Regional Economic Conditions: Minnesota Child Care Providers
2026-05-13 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | This is a virtual-only event
Minnesota’s child care businesses face challenges from staffing to expenses. Survey results show recent events have added new challenges.

The Minneapolis Fed and First Children’s Finance have conducted their sixth annual survey of Minnesota child care businesses. The Minneapolis Fed’s Tu-Uyen Tran and Suzanne Pearl, Minnesota Director at First Children’s Finance, will host a free webinar discussing survey results on the sector’s current health, capacity, and challenges.

Register

Agenda

12:00 pm – 12:05 pm CT

Welcome and introduction

12:05 pm – 12:25 pm CT

Survey results

12:25 pm – 12:30 pm CT

Q&A

12:30 pm CT

Webinar concludes

Presented by

Location

Making Missing Markets: Challenges and Innovations in Puerto Rico
2026-05-14 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Puerto_Rico) | Hyatt Place San Juan, Avenida Fernandez Juncos 580, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, in collaboration with Discover Puerto Rico, will host an event on fostering and improving the markets channeling investments into under-resourced communities on the Island. The event is part of the New York Fed’s Making Missing Markets initiative.

The event will explore strategies that help connect new sources of capital to community needs and solutions; scale existing sources of capital for communities; and connect previously unlinked buyers and sellers of services and products that address critical community challenges. Speakers and panelists will highlight the vital role of community-based interventions.

Audience

This event is open to the public.

Media

This event is open to the media. All remarks are on the record. For media inquiries, please contact Ellen Simon at Ellen.Simon@ny.frb.org.

Register

Presented by

Location

Small Business and AI: Understanding Adoption and Building Support Systems
2026-05-19 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | This is a virtual-only event
The Federal Reserve’s 2025 Small Business Credit Survey found that nearly half of small businesses are using AI, with an additional 15% planning to adopt AI in the next 12 months.

Join the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s EmergingTech Economic Research Network on May 19 to explore the implications of AI for small businesses. The program will include:

A preview of forthcoming research on small business AI adoption, including differences between employer and nonemployer firms and emerging trends by industry.

A panel discussion with small business lending and technical assistance practitioners at the forefront of AI-driven changes across the small business ecosystem.

This is a virtual event hosted by the EmergingTech Economic Research Network (EERN). It is open to everyone and will be livestreamed. A recording will be available after the event. Register now and submit your questions.

Register

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Opportunity Zones 2.0: How Communities Can Engage Now
2026-05-20 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | This is a virtual-only event
As Opportunity Zones 2.0 takes shape, upcoming decisions will determine which communities attract investment. Join this webinar designed to help you understand what’s changing with OZ 2.0, why it matters, and what is happening right now with the census tract designation process. Speakers will discuss the current timeline, what makes a competitive census tract, why community input is essential, and practical steps you can take to champion your community’s interests.

Register

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Location

Investing in Rural America: Demystifying Capital Investment in Rural Communities
2026-05-20 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | This is a virtual-only event
Accessing the right mix of capital remains one of the most persistent challenges facing rural communities working to advance local projects and economic growth. While a range of funding sources exist, from public programs to private investment, navigating how they fit together can feel complex and out of reach.

Join the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Center for Rural Economies for its next Investing in Rural America webinar which will break down the fundamentals of capital investment, helping participants understand the core building blocks needed to develop, structure and secure funding. Through practical insights and real-world examples, the session will explore how communities can successfully leverage available resources, align funding strategies with local priorities, and move projects from concept to implementation.

Whether you are new to capital sourcing or looking to strengthen your current approach, this session will provide a clearer roadmap for unlocking investment in rural communities.

Register

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How Can Public Policy Boost Hiring?
2026-05-21 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | This is a virtual-only event
A variety of obstacles can interfere with how quickly people find jobs. Workers may lack necessary skills or face other barriers to available employment, such as a lack of transportation or child care. Employers may be reluctant to hire when they have limited information about workers’ qualifications or when economic conditions are poor. Public policies such as wage subsidies and programs that provide jobs through direct government employment aim to boost hiring in these circumstances.

During this event, research and policy experts from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Economic Innovation Group, Hired, and Upjohn Institute will explore the design, implementation, and impact of policies that encourage employers to hire. Attendees will learn about what role these policies can play in a healthy labor market and potential trade-offs for policymakers to consider. Panelists will also discuss examples of existing policies, including state-level programs in Minnesota.

We hope you can join us.

Speakers include:

Timothy Bartik, Upjohn Institute

Ayushi Narayan, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Hue Nguyen, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Adam Ozimek, Economic Innovation Group

Jen Swalboski, Hired

Neal Young, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

Register

Agenda

11:00 am – 11:06 am CT

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker: Hue Nguyen, Community Development and Engagement, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

11:07 am – 11:57 am CT

Panel: Implementation and Impact of Policies Intended to Boost Hiring

Moderator: Ayushi Narayan, Community Development and Engagement, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Panelists:

Timothy Bartik, Upjohn Institute

Adam Ozimek, Economic Innovation Group

Jen Swalboski, Hired

Neal Young, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

11:58 am – 12:00 pm CT

Closing Remarks and Thank You

Speaker: Hue Nguyen, Community Development and Engagement, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

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Location

Vanishing Tax Credits and a Shrinking Market: Who Can Afford to Rent?
2026-05-26 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | This is a virtual-only event
On Tuesday, May 26, join the Chicago Fed’s Economic Mobility Project for Vanishing Tax Credits and a Shrinking Market: Who Can Afford to Rent?, a virtual event focused on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, one of the nation’s primary tools for financing affordable rental housing and a key driver behind millions of units developed over recent decades.

That role played by the LIHTC program is entering a new phase. A growing number of LIHTC properties are reaching the end of their affordability periods, with nearly a million units expected to transition out of rent restrictions over the next decade. In many areas where market rents exceed restricted rents, this change could reduce access to stable, affordable housing for low-and-moderate-income households.

Drawing on new research coauthored by Dustin Ingram, senior community development specialist at the Chicago Fed, a panel of experts will discuss where and when these changes are occurring, how they impact local housing markets and workforce needs, and what they mean for the future of rental housing affordability across communities. Panelists will include:

Edward Glaeser, Fred and Eleanor Glimp Professor of Economics, Harvard University

Joseph Gyourko, Martin Bucksbaum Professor, professor of real estate, professor of finance, professor of business economics & public policy, the Wharton School, The University of Pennsylvania

Janet Abrahams, president & chief executive officer, Housing Authority of Baltimore City

The discussion will be moderated by Norah Mulinda, markets correspondent, Bloomberg Television.

Registration Deadline: May 26, 2026

Register

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Connecting Communities: Highlights from the 2025 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking
2026-06-04 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Event
During this Connecting Communities webinar, researchers from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors will share key findings from the annual Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED), which was fielded in October 2025 and will be released shortly before this Connecting Communities event. The survey is a key tool for measuring the economic well-being of U.S. households and identifying potential risks to their finances.

In addition to monitoring household financial circumstances, the survey explores a range of related topics. In 2025, it introduced new questions about the use of generative AI at work, alongside expanded modules on Buy Now, Pay Later, financial fraud, homeowners insurance, and student loan debt. The survey also continues to track other financial topics such as access to credit, housing affordability, child care costs, student loans, economic hardship, and banking.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with the panelists during a live Q&A session, bringing deeper context and clarity to the findings.

Register

Speakers

Alicia LloroPrincipal EconomistConsumer & Community ResearchFederal Reserve Board of Governors

Ellen MerryPrincipal EconomistConsumer & Community ResearchFederal Reserve Board of Governors

Mike ZabekPrincipal EconomistConsumer & Community ResearchFederal Reserve Board of Governors

Sergio GaleanoCommunity and Economic Development AdvisorFederal Reserve Bank of Atlantamoderator

Presented by

Location

About Connecting Communities®

Real people. Real research. Real conversations.

Connecting Communities is a Federal Reserve-sponsored webinar series providing timely information on community and economic development issues. It complements Fed community development outreach initiatives conducted through the 12 regional Reserve Banks and Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

Have questions about the program? Contact us.

Skills-Based Hiring and Economic Mobility Workshop
2026-06-18 11:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Omaha Branch, 2201 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102, United States
Moving individuals and families towards financial self-sufficiency is a prime goal of Nebraska’s workforce efforts. Workers, however, face many barriers on this journey. Join regional leaders for an engaging session focused on hiring strategies that drive retention, results, and workforce resilience. Participants will learn how new tools from the Federal Reserve can support skills-based hiring practices and identify ways to leverage public supports to attract workers for in-demand jobs.

Participants will engage with:

Tools to support skills-based hiring and close the talent gap

A breakdown of how public benefits intersect with job quality, and what employers can do to help workers over the ‘benefit cliff’

Table-top discussions to share effective practices and insight

There is no cost to participate, but registration is required by June 10, 2026.

Register

Audience

We welcome anyone with a workforce development focus from nonprofit, business, or government sectors.

Event Contact

Rachael SurmickCommunity Development AdvisorFederal Reserve Bank of Kansas CityOmaha Branchrachael.surmick@kc.frb.org

Presented by

Location

Forum: Housing Affordability and Community Ownership
2026-06-22 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 33 Liberty Street, New York, NY, 10045, United States
On Monday, June 22, 2026, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, in partnership with Change Capital Fund, will host an in-person event on community-owned housing and tools that enable local groups to own buildings or land.

Discussions will cover the business case for community ownership and how New York City can foster new models for acquiring, developing, and preserving community-owned housing. The program will highlight examples of community-owned projects in New York City.

Audience

This event is open to the public.

Media

This event is open to the media. All remarks are on the record, with the recording to be made available afterwards. For media inquiries, please contact Ellen Simon at Ellen.Simon@ny.frb.org.

Register

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Location

Rural Economic Development Summit: Data Center Development and Digital Infrastructure
2026-06-23 08:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, 212 Locust Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17101
Across many rural regions, data center development has become an emerging source of economic activity. For communities facing declining traditional industries or limited tax bases, these facilities represent potential for new revenue streams, infrastructure investments, and economic diversification.

Data centers can diversify rural economies by bringing new jobs and attracting new investments to a region. These facilities can serve as catalysts for comprehensive infrastructure modernization, including broadband expansion that connects rural residents to the digital economy and electrical grid upgrades that enhance reliability and capacity for entire communities.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, and the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development invite you to a Rural Economic Development Summit to explore the economic impacts of data center development in rural communities, examining workforce and economic development considerations and infrastructure needs.

Who Should Attend?

Professionals in rural economic or workforce development organizations, chamber of commerce leaders, county and municipal officials, regional planning professionals, rural utility representatives, and other rural or countywide decision-makers are encouraged to attend.

Participation is free, but registration is required. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now.

For questions, contact Philip Jones at philip.jones@phil.frb.org.

Register

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Location

This is a hybrid event.

2026 State of Small Business Symposium
2026-06-24 13:00 - 2026-06-25 13:30 (America/New_York) | Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, 1455 E 6th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44114, United States
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, employing nearly half of all workers, supporting job creation, and building vibrant communities across the nation. Organizations like yours play a vital role in supporting their success. Join us for an important conversation that will uplift data, allow participants to share experiences, and highlight opportunities to support this crucial sector. Leave with fresh strategies, deeper insights, and new connections that will strengthen your work.

Why attend

Hear up-to-date information about current trends impacting small businesses. Topics may include access to credit, AI impacts, rural communities’ needs, navigating the costs of goods and services, and evolving consumer choices.

Gain insight into local challenges and opportunities for small businesses and small business intermediaries across the United States.

Learn more about innovative strategies and solutions that are supporting small businesses nationwide.

Build relationships with stakeholders across geographies.

Who should attend

The symposium will feature key discussions on regional and national topics relevant to small businesses. It’s the right place to be for

small business support organizations

lenders

administrators of small business programs

local government staffers

Seats are limited. Register today to secure your place. Register by June 5, 2026 3:59 pm.

Register

Agenda

Wednesday, June 24th

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Check In | Registration

2:00p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Conference

5:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Networking Reception

Thursday, June 25th

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Check In | Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. Conference

12:10 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Lunch | Participant Reflections

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Location

Investing in Rural America: Economic Development in Rural Communities
2026-06-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | This is a virtual-only event
Building sustainable economic growth in rural communities requires vision, collaboration and strategic action. Yet, many communities face unique challenges that can hinder development, including limited infrastructure, workforce shortages, housing constraints, and access to resources.

Join the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Center for Rural Economies for its next Investing in Rural America webinar, which will explore key strategies and approaches for advancing economic development in rural settings.

Through practical insights and real-world examples, participants will gain a broader understanding of the tools and resources available to support rural economic growth. We will discuss how communities can align local priorities with economic opportunities, overcome common barriers, and develop actionable strategies that reflect their distinct strengths and needs.

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Sovereignty in Numbers: The 2026 Center for Indian Country Development Data Summit
2026-06-25 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | This is a virtual-only event
Recent years have brought economic data innovations across Indian Country and new models for governing data in ways that honor tribal data sovereignty. Digital advancements have made it easier to collect and analyze data, and artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced new risks and possibilities. Tools such as tribal censuses, economic impact reports, and the Survey of Native Nations are equipping tribes with new forms of data as they navigate economic realities. During a time of rapid change, how are tribes leveraging emerging data opportunities in ways that safeguard tribal citizens and values?

The Center for Indian Country Development’s (CICD’s) 2026 data summit will feature conversations with Indian Country thought leaders on what it means to marshal data for economic self-determination. Tribal leaders will share ways they’re working with economic data to design services for tribal citizens, attract investment in their communities, and steward their resources for future generations. Speakers will also explore ways tribes are shaping emerging data applications on their own terms.

We hope you’ll join us for this important conversation.

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Place-Based Strategies: Strengthening Rural Economies through Investment
2026-06-25 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | This is a virtual-only event
Investment is a critical part of any healthy, growing economy, and plays a key role in rural economic development. This seminar will foster a research-driven conversation on community development finance ecosystems that help address barriers to community investment in smaller towns and rural communities. The seminar will feature insights from the Richmond Fed’s Rural Investment Collaborative, as well as research on factors that support community investment.

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Introductory speaker

Anna KovnerExecutive Vice President and Director of ResearchFederal Reserve Bank of Richmond(moderator)

Panel 1: The landscape of place-based programs

Merissa PiazzaLead Policy AnalystFederal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Michou KokodokoSenior Policy Analyst, Community Development and EngagementFederal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Panel 2: Identifying and solving for rural funding gaps

Nicholas ChiumentiEconomistUSDA Rural Development

Devon WineyPresidentMt. Auburn Associates

2026 Federal Reserve Community Development Research Seminar Series

Where people live can affect their financial well-being and job prospects. This is especially true for residents of lower-income neighborhoods. Join us for the 2026 Federal Reserve Community Development Research Seminar Series, Place-Based Strategies: Strengthening Local Economies.

In this year’s three seminars, experts will share their research on job market conditions, the impact of community-focused strategies, and how investments can help local economies thrive.

Join us to explore how research and effective strategies can create opportunities that benefit local communities as a whole.

Addtional events:

Place-Based Strategies: Strengthening Local Economies in Low-Income Communities

Place-Based Strategies: Strengthening Local Economies through Labor Market Policies

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Investment Connection - Kansas and Western Missouri 2026
2026-08-12 11:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, 1 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO, 64198, United States
During Investment Connection, community development proposals that would receive CRA consideration are presented to potential funders. The lending and investment opportunities presented will be exclusively in Kansas and Missouri. Funding requests typically range from $25,000 to $2.5 million, and geographic target areas range from single community developments to statewide efforts.

Typical proposals address:

Affordable Housing

Asset Building, Financial Access, Capability and Empowerment

Broadband Services / Digital Inclusion

Community Services and Facilities

Disaster Relief

Small Business Development / Microlending

Workforce Development / Economic Development

Presenters have seven minutes to share information about their organization and proposal, followed by three minutes of questions from funders. This is a great way to learn about new and existing organizations and opportunities in community and economic development.

For additional information and testimonials about Investment Connection, please visit the Kansas City Fed’s Investment Connection page. The program is also featured in the Fed Communities three-part story series, Investment Connection: Getting to ‘We Have a Deal’.

Who should attend

This event is for the funding community including:

financial institutions

foundations

philanthropists

local, state and federal government

To participate, please contact

Marisa MartinezCommunity Development AdvisorFederal Reserve Bank of Kansas CityKansas Citymarisa.martinez@kc.frb.org

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Place-Based Strategies: Strengthening Local Economies through Labor Market Policies
2026-08-12 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | This is a virtual-only event
Place plays an important role in the economic outcomes of residents. Place-based strategies have long been used to address employment and mobility barriers in lower-income communities. However, evidence on the effectiveness of such initiatives has been mixed. Researchers in this seminar will examine the impact of workforce development programs, sharing ideas to improve them and offering insights to help inform future policy strategies.

2026 Federal Reserve Community Development Research Seminar Series

Where people live can affect their financial well-being and job prospects. This is especially true for residents of lower-income neighborhoods. Join us for the 2026 Federal Reserve Community Development Research Seminar Series, Place-Based Strategies: Strengthening Local Economies.

In this year’s three seminars, experts will share their research on job market conditions, the impact of community-focused strategies, and how investments can help local economies thrive.

Join us to explore how research and effective strategies can create opportunities that benefit local communities as a whole.

Addtional events:

Place-Based Strategies: Strengthening Local Economies in Low-Income Communities

Place-Based Strategies: Strengthening Rural Economies through Investment

Register

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Location

Investment Connection - Colorado 2026
2026-09-10 11:30 - 13:45 (America/Denver) | Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City – Denver Branch, 1020 16th Street Mal, Denver, Colorado, 80202, United States
During Investment Connection, community development proposals that would receive CRA consideration are presented to potential funders. The lending and investment opportunities presented will be exclusively in Colorado. Funding requests range from $25,000 to $2.5 million, and geographic target areas range from single community developments to statewide efforts.

Typical proposals address:

Affordable Housing

Asset Building, Financial Access, Capability and Empowerment

Broadband Services / Digital Inclusion

Community Services and Facilities

Disaster Relief

Small Business Development / Microlending

Workforce Development / Economic Development

Presenters have seven minutes to share information about their organization and proposal, followed by three minutes of questions from funders. This is an great way to learn about new and existing organizations and opportunities in community and economic development.

For additional information and testimonials about Investment Connection, please visit the Kansas City Fed’s Investment Connection page. The program is also featured in the Fed Communities three-part story series, Investment Connection: Getting to ‘We Have a Deal’.

Who should attend

This event is for the funding community including:

financial institutions

foundations

philanthropists

local, state and federal government

To participate, please contact

Ariel CisnerosSenior AdvisorFederal Reserve Bank of Kansas CityDenver Branchariel.cisneros@kc.frb.org

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2026 Investing in Rural America Conference
2026-09-30 09:00 - 2026-10-02 16:00 (America/New_York) | Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Avenue, Ashville, North Carolina, 28804, United States
Save the Date: 2026 Investing in Rural America Conference

We are excited to announce the upcoming 2026 Investing in Rural America Conference, a flagship event for the Richmond Fed’s Center for Rural Economies. Mark your calendars for September 30 – October 2, 2026, as we gather at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina.

This year’s conference will showcase innovative strategies for rural prosperity across several key areas:

Economic development

Small business development

Financial inclusion

Workforce pathways

And more!

This conference creates a valuable space for attendees to:

Connect with influential rural stakeholders from across the nation

Learn about cutting-edge approaches to rural economic vitality

Engage in discussions that shape the future of rural America

Our new venue, the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, offers a stunning backdrop for collaboration and inspiration, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina.

Registration details will be available in the coming months. To ensure you receive notification when registration opens, please sign up here.

For more information about our ongoing work in supporting small towns and rural communities, visit our Center for Rural Economies page.

Who should attend

Policymakers, community representatives, business executives, nonprofit leaders, investors, workforce development professionals.

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