Collaborative Pathways for Community Development Research: A Networking Event with the St. Louis Fed in Louisville
2026-03-05 11:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis – Louisville Branch, PNC Tower 101 S. Fifth St. 19th Floor Conference Room, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202, United States
Join us to network with researchers from a range of disciplines and learn about engagement opportunities with the St. Louis Fed. Discover the broad set of community development resources—from programs and research to data tools—available to support your work, including our:

Community Development Research Fellows Program

Community Development Research Seminar Series

Federal Reserve Data Tools

And much, much more

This event will provide an opportunity to build relationships in the field, exchange ideas, and explore potential partnerships with fellow researchers representing multiple disciplines and from across the Fed’s Eighth District.

Lunch will be provided and parking will be validated.

Please feel free to share this event with others in your institution or organization who may be interested. There is no fee to attend the event, but you must register by Monday, March 2.

Who might benefit from attending?

Researchers | Professors

Questions? Contact the Community Development team at communitydevelopment@stls.frb.org.

The opinions and statements expressed are those of the speakers and are intended only for informational purposes. They do not reflect official positions of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

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Agenda

All times are Central.

The virtual portion of the event will take place from 10-11:30 a.m.

11:30 am CT

Registration and Networking Lunch

12:15 pm CT

Welcome and OverviewSeema Sheth, Senior Vice President and Regional Executive of the Louisville Branch, Federal Reserve Bank of St. LouisWilliam M. Rodgers III, Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

12:25 pm CT

Overview of Community Development Work at the St. Louis FedNishesh Chalise, Senior Manager, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1:00 pm CT

Community Development Research Fellows Program Jeffrey Cohen, Professor, University of ConnecticutAlice Kassens, Professor, Roanoke College

1:05 pm CT

Current Community Development Research ProjectsNishesh Chalise, Senior Manager, Federal Reserve Bank of St. LouisLiz Deichmann, Senior Researcher, Federal Reserve Bank of St. LouisMike Eggleston, Senior Researcher, Federal Reserve Bank of St. LouisWilliam M. Rodgers III, Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of St. LouisNicole Sumers-Gabr, Senior Researcher, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1:50 pm CT

Closing RemarksWilliam M. Rodgers III, Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

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Investor Ownership of Single-Family Rentals in the Twin Cities Region
2026-03-19 10:00 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | This is a virtual-only event
Investors own an increasing share of single-family rentals over the past two decades. Today, nearly one in 20 single-family homes in the Twin Cities region is investor-owned. While creating more options for renters, the rise of investor-owned homes has reduced opportunities for homeownership, particularly in some neighborhoods. To better understand investor ownership in the Twin Cities region, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis maintains a data tool that tracks investors’ activities within the metro from 2006 through 2024. Additional analyses reveal how the geography of investor ownership has changed over time. Join our webinar to learn more about both investor-owned rentals and the Minneapolis Fed’s data tool.

Register

Agenda

9:00 am – 9:05 am CT

Welcome and introduction

Speaker: Libby Starling

10:05 am – 10:12 am CT

Overview of the Minneapolis Fed’s Investor Ownership Dashboard

Presenter: Maxine Xu

10:12 am – 10:20 am CT

Key Trends in Investor Ownership in the Twin Citites Region

Presenter: Ben Horowitz

10:20 am – 10:28 am CT

Audience Q&A

Moderator: Libby Starling

10:30 am CT

Closing Remarks

Speaker: Libby Starling

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College Degrees and the Labor Market: Long-Run Trends and Recent Challenges for Young Graduates
2026-03-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | This is a virtual-only event
For decades, a college degree was a reliable ticket to faster job placement, lower unemployment, and rising wages. But something fundamental shifted around the year 2000, and the consequences are only now becoming fully visible.

Join us for a discussion of new research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland that reveals a major transformation in the American labor market. Using nearly 50 years of data, researchers Alexander Cline and Barış Kaymak examine how the economic forces in the labor market that once strongly favored college-educated workers have shifted over the past several decades—and how young college graduates have lost their long-standing advantage in finding jobs faster.

What you’ll discover:

Why the unemployment gap between young high school and college graduates has hit its lowest level since the late 1970s—and why this isn’t just a postpandemic phenomenon

How growth in labor demand switched from “college-biased” to “education-neutral” after the year 2000, ending decades of college-biased growth

What advantages college graduates retain despite their struggles with initial job placement and why the story is more nuanced than “college degrees don’t matter anymore”

This research documents significant shifts in how education relates to labor market outcomes over the past several decades. The findings raise important questions about the changing nature of work, education, and economic opportunity.

The speaker will take your questions following the presentation.

Register

Speakers

Barış Kaymak, Economic and Policy Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Moderator

Amy Morona, Higher Education Reporter, Signal Ohio

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2026 National Community Investment Conference
2026-03-23 08:00 - 2026-03-26 17:00 (America/Phoenix) | Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N 3rd St, Phoenix, Arizona, 85004
Thank you for your interest in the 2026 National Community Investment Conference. You may also be interested in these community development publications from the Federal Reserve System.

The premier conference for community development is headed to Arizona! The 2026 program, Innovations in Public-Private Partnership, will highlight strategies for advancing economic opportunity through access to credit, investment, and financial services, with a focus on effective partnership models.Attendees will hear about successful approaches for attracting and deploying capital in a variety of sessions tailored to financial institutions, community organizations, and public entities who are striving to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

What to expect:•  Discussions about emerging opportunities for community investment.•  Valuable perspectives from leaders across the community development field.•  Practical insights on the Community Reinvestment Act for financial institutions.•  Networking opportunities to meet and connect with peers.

Conference sessions explore a variety of topics and offer expert insights on emerging trends and best practices in community development.

View the agenda

Registration fees

Financial Institutions and For-Profit Organizations$1295 per person

Government and Regulatory Agencies$695 per person

Nonprofit Organizations$495 per person

Register

All registration fees are per person. Fees increase by $100 per person after March 2, 2026.

Sponsored by the Federal Reserve Banks of San Francisco, St. Louis, Richmond, Philadelphia, New York, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, Cleveland, Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta, Fed Communities, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Formerly known as the NICRC, the National Community Investment Conference has served for over 30 years as a platform for the community development field to convene around practical strategies, emerging trends, and successful case studies.

Location

Presented by

Rural Community Action Assembly: Rural Health Funding and Community Readiness
2026-03-24 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | This is a virtual-only event
The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program currently has up to $193 million available for investment in rural areas in Pennsylvania. Beginning in 2026, this five-year federal program aims to expand workforce opportunities, improve health outcomes, and catalyze resilient economic growth in rural communities.

The RHT Program is designed to invest in three important areas:

People – Develop your local workforce with new skills and opportunities.

Technology – Bring cutting-edge tools and resources to rural healthcare and beyond.

Innovation – Test bold new strategies that promote sustainable care models for years to come.

What makes this different? This funding is designed to spark collaboration across sectors — connecting healthcare with education, business, technology, and economic and workforce development. When these sectors work together, rural communities can be better positioned to adapt to changes in the economy.

Join us to discover:

how your organization may be able to leverage this funding;

real strategies for developing cross-sector partnerships that are innovative and sustainable; and

ways to position your community for long-term economic resilience

Who Should Attend?This event is for rural economic or workforce development corporations, rural chambers of commerce, nonprofits working with low- and moderate-income communities, and local officials who want to learn more about this funding.

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.

Speakers will include:

Lisa Davis, Director, Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health (Moderator)

Jesse Ergott, Chief Advancement Officer, AllOne Foundation

Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association

Karin Rhodes, Special Advisor, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

Janice Walters, CEO, Rural Health Redesign Center

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Human Capital in a Time of Low Real Rates
2026-03-31 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | This is a virtual-only event
On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. CT, join the Chicago Fed’s Economic Mobility Project for a virtual event, Human Capital in a Time of Low Real Rates, examining how low interest rate environments impact human capital investment and opportunity. The event will begin with framing remarks from Dr. Tamara Hoff Pope, Chief Strategy Officer for Chicago Scholars. Chicago Fed economist, Jung Sakong will present findings from his paper, Human Capital in a Time of Low Real Rates. The paper develops a macroeconomic framework linking persistently low real interest rates to differences in human capital investment across families and examines how these dynamics affect long-run labor market outcomes and intergenerational economic mobility.

Following the research presentation, a moderated panel discussion will explore the policy implications of these findings, including what they mean for education systems, workforce development, and efforts to expand economic opportunity in low-rate environments. Panelists will include:

Elizabeth Akers, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

Jonathan Rothwell, Principal Economist, Gallup

Marie Lynn Miranda, Chancellor, University of Illinois Chicago

The discussion will be moderated by Samantha Chatman, weekend anchor for ABC7 Chicago.

Registration Deadline: March 31, 2026

Register

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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
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 Institutue for Employment Research

Dana InmanPresident and CEOAtlanta Center for Self Sufficiency (ACSS)

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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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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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

Presented by

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
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

AnnMarie 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

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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

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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

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Location

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

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

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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 ZabekSenior 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.

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

Presented by

Location

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, but the geography of investment – specifically community and economic development investment – can be uneven. This session 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 session will feature insights from the Richmond Fed’s Rural Investment Collaborative, as well as research on factors that support community investment.

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

Register

Presented by

Location

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

Presented by

Location

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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