Fed Communities

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

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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

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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)

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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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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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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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

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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
Watch on demand

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.

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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

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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

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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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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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This is a hybrid event.

The Economic Value of AI at Work and at Home
2026-06-24 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | This is a virtual-only event
Please join us on June 24 for a live discussion on the economic value of AI in both professional and personal use with Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji, chief economist at OpenAI, and Sylvain Leduc, director of economic research at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.

The speakers will discuss OpenAI’s latest research on who’s using AI, what they’re using it for, and whether it’s creating real economic value at work and at home.

This is a virtual event hosted by the EmergingTech Economic Research Network (EERN). Registration is open to everyone. It will be livestreamed and available as a recording after the event. We invite you to register and submit a question.

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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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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
Watch on demand

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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Creating Affordable Housing: The Efforts of Chicago Faith-based Organizations
2026-06-30 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | This is a virtual-only event
Join us for an exploration of how faith-based organizations are working to transform their own real estate and Chicago’s vacant properties into attractive and affordable housing communities. This webinar will examine practical strategies, real-world case studies, and partnership models that enable congregations and faith-based Community Development Corporations to address aspects of the city’s affordable housing challenge.

In this session, you’ll discover:

The motivation driving faith leaders to pursue housing development

Lessons learned from Chicago faith-based organizations that have successfully developed affordable housing units, from single-family homes to multi-family complexes

And practical strategies for overcoming the three major barriers to such work: complex financing and capital-stack assembly, technical knowledge gaps in real estate development, and creating partnerships with developers.

Who should attend

Anyone interested in faith-based community partnerships for affordable housing, including faith-based organization leaders, community development practitioners, municipal officials, affordable housing developers, Community Development Financial Institutions, other financial institutions, and philanthropic organizations.

Register

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Lawrence D.W. Schmidt | AI's Impact on Labor and Wages
2026-07-01 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | This is a virtual-only event
Please join us on July 1 for a live presentation on the impact of AI on labor and wages from Lawrence D.W. Schmidt, the Victor J. Menezes (1972) Career Development Associate Professor of Finance at MIT Sloan School of Management.

Professor Schmidt will discuss the different ways that technology influences workers’ earnings and the demand for labor, specifically addressing the distinction between what happens to jobs and what happens to individual people.

Following his presentation, Professor Schmidt will answer live and pre-submitted questions with our host moderator, Huiyu Li, co-head of EERN and research advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.

This is a virtual event hosted by the EmergingTech Economic Research Network (EERN). Registration is open to everyone. It will be livestreamed and available as a recording after the event. We invite you to register and submit a question.

Register

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District Dialogues: What's Next for the Economy of the Carolinas?
2026-07-07 14:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Charlotte Branch, 530 East Trade Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28202
The Richmond Fed’s District Dialogues series brings together economists, regional leaders, and community stakeholders for timely conversations about the economy.

This session, held at the Charlotte Branch of the Richmond Fed, will examine where the economy stands at mid-year, with a special focus on the Charlotte metro area and the broader Carolinas region. Richmond Fed economists and local experts will share fresh perspectives on regional growth patterns, workforce dynamics, price trends, and changes across industries.

Whether you’re a business owner, community leader, policymaker, or simply curious about economic shifts in the Carolinas, this afternoon session will help you understand how national economic forces are playing out locally and what to watch for in the months ahead.

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

Registration Deadlines:

In Person: June 29, 2026

Virtual: July 6, 2026

Discover more conversations on the most pressing economic issues – explore the complete District Dialogues series.

Register

Speakers

Matt Martin, Regional Executive, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Laura Ullrich, Director of Economic Research, Indeed

Bethany Greene, Regional Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Agenda

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm ET

Registration and Refreshments

In Person

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm ET

Economic Update, Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A

In Person and Virutal Audiences

4:30 pm – 5:00 pm ET

Closing Remarks and Networking

In Person

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This is a hybrid event with in-person and virtual attendance options.

Next-Gen Financial Inclusion
2026-07-14 11:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
The Federal Reserve Board will host its third annual Financial Inclusion Conference, “Next-Gen Financial Inclusion,” on July 14 in Washington, D.C. The event will feature speeches, presentations, and discussions on various financial inclusion topics with Federal Reserve leaders, academics, industry stakeholders, consumer and community organizations, and thought leaders.

The conference will be webcast at www.federalreserve.gov and www.youtube.com/federalreserve.

This event is by invitation only. Members of the press who wish to attend should contact Public Affairs at media@frb.gov.

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Fed Talk: The Crises That Led to the Fed's Creation: Monetary Policy in American History
2026-07-16 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, 1455 E 6th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44114, United States
Join us for a journey through the history of American monetary policy—including the crises that led to the Federal Reserve’s formation—with Owen Humpage, Cleveland Fed economist emeritus.

The event will be offered both virtually and in person at the Bank’s location in downtown Cleveland. Following the session, in-person attendees may tour the Bank’s main building, constructed in 1923.

The Federal Reserve (or “the Fed”), America’s central bank, was established by Congress in 1913 mainly to conduct monetary policy. But how were these policy decisions handled before the Fed existed?

What you’ll discover

Humpage will take guests across the tumultuous monetary policy landscape of the 19th and early 20th centuries, including

The institutions that conducted monetary policy before the Fed’s creation such as the nation’s first quasi-central banks, the US Treasury, and even a private bank organization—and why all of them were unsuccessful.

The various economic and political crises that forced America’s monetary function to evolve.

How the Fed was designed to help prevent future crises, including the importance of credibility, clear guidelines, and Fed independence to monetary policy.

Whether you’re curious about pre-Fed monetary policy or just into history, this is your chance to hear from an expert who spent his career at the Fed and who’s still studying its origins. No economics degree required—just bring your curiosity!

Humpage will answer questions during the question-and-answer portion of the event. Attendees can also submit questions in advance through the registration form.

Speakers will take your questions after the presentation.

Speakers

Owen F. Humpage, economist emeritus, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Moderator

Chuck Soder, senior media relations specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

The event will be offered both virtually and in person at the Bank’s location in downtown Cleveland. Following the session, in-person attendees may tour the Bank’s main building, constructed in 1923.

Register

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Location

This is a hybrid event with in-person and virtual attendance options.

Collaborative Pathways for Community Development Research: A Networking Event with the St. Louis Fed in Memphis
2026-08-05 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | University of Memphis FedEx Institute of Technology, 365 Fogelman Drive, Memphis, Tennessee, 38152, 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 Friday, July 31.

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.

11:30 am CT

Registration and Networking Lunch

12:00 pm CT

Welcome and OverviewDouglas Scarboro, Senior Vice President and Regional Executive of the Memphis Branch, Federal Reserve Bank of St. LouisSydney Diavua, Vice President and Community Affairs Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

12:10 pm CT

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

12:30 pm CT

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

12:35 pm CT

Audience Research Interests and Projects

12:55 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

1:15 pm CT

Small Business Credit SurveyNorman Jones III, Community Development Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1:25 pm CT

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

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Connecting Communities: Understanding Benefits Cliffs: Evidence, Insights, and Open Questions
2026-08-06 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Event
Benefits cliffs are increasingly recognized as a critical barrier to economic mobility in communities across the country. When a raise, promotion, or new job pushes an individual or family above eligibility thresholds for public benefits, the result can be a net financial loss. This creates difficult choices for workers, employers, and policymakers.

As awareness of benefits cliffs grows, so does momentum around research, policy innovation, and community-driven solutions. This webinar will bring together researchers and practitioners to explore the latest evidence on how benefits cliffs affect workforce participation and economic opportunity, highlight promising strategies emerging from innovative pilots, and identify priorities for future research.

During this event, participants will learn more about

key research findings on how benefits cliffs affect employment and advancement decisions for workers and job seekers,

learnings from innovative pilot programs designed to reduce the impact of benefits cliffs, and

a research agenda that can inform more effective, equitable solutions for policymakers, community-based organizations, and employers.

Related resources:

What Are Benefits Cliffs?

The Research Landscape for Benefits Cliffs: Reviewing the Benefits Cliffs Research

Benefits Cliff Story Series – Fed Communities

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Speakers

Keith BarnesSenior DirectorBeyond the Cliff, Martha O’Bryan Center

Anna FogelVice President, Impact AdvisorySocial Finance

Anna HillAssociate Director of Research DevelopmentMaxwell X Lab, Syracuse University

John OlsonAssistant Professor of InstructionNorthwestern University School of Education and Social Policy

Alex RuderAssistant Vice PresidentCommunity and Economic DevelopmentFederal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Sergio GaleanoAdviserCommunity and Economic DevelopmentFederal Reserve Bank of Atlantamoderator

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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.

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, share ideas to improve them, and offer insights to help inform future 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

Introductory speaker

Karen Leone de NieCommunity Affairs Officer and Vice President of Community and Economic DevelopmentFederal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Seminar Facilitators

Alexander RuderAssistant Vice President, Community and Economic Development Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Adam ScavetteCommunity Development Economic AdvisorFederal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

Panelists

Matthew FreedmanDean’s Professor and Chair, Department of EconomicsUniversity of California, Irvine

Ashley PalmerAssociate ProfessorTexas Christian University

Laura Peck, Ph.D.Associate Professor, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy and Principal Faculty Fellow at the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development

Brett TheodosDirector, Center for Local Finance and GrowthHousing and Communities DivisionUrban Institute

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Workforce Solutions Learning Lab: The Case for Quality Jobs, Skills-Based Hiring and Apprenticeships
2026-08-13 09:30 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Peak Innovation Center, 5900 Painter Lane, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72903, United States
Struggling to fill open positions? Facing high turnover? You’re not alone. Join workforce development leaders from across Arkansas and Oklahoma for a learning lab focused on hiring strategies that drive retention, results, and labor force resilience both locally and regionally.

Explore data-driven tools for career advancement and skills development. Discover steps you can take to strengthen workforce initiatives in your organization or community. This highly interactive session will equip you with practical solutions you can put to work.

This learning lab is designed to move beyond discussion and help employers explore practical solutions to workforce challenges.

Registration dealine: Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.

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

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What will you gain?

Apprenticeship resources—Get access to strategies and tools to launch or expand apprenticeship programs in your organization

Data-driven workforce insights—Understand more about how skills-based approaches can help employers staff the hardest-to-fill jobs in the Fort Smith, Ark., and northeast Oklahoma region

Job quality solutions—Discover how public benefits intersect with job quality and what you can do to help workers move beyond the benefits cliff

Real employer examples—Learn from real-world case studies of skills-based hiring and apprenticeship strategies being used successfully by employers

Interactive problem-solving—Participate in guided table discussions that turn ideas into practical strategies you can apply in your own organization

Who should attend?

HR managers and talent acquisition leaders

Manufacturing plant operations managers

Business owners and executives

Workforce development professionals

Anyone tackling hiring or retention challenges

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Financing Opportunities to Strengthen Nevada’s Small Businesses
2026-08-18 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | West Las Vegas Library, 1861 N. Martin Luther King Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89106, United States
The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and the Nevada Small Business Development Center (NVSBDC) invite you to an in-person event designed to strengthen collaborative partnerships and enhance Nevada’s small business ecosystem. Join us on August 18 from 11:00am-2:00pm at the West Las Vegas Library as we bring together key stakeholders to bridge the gap between capital providers, technical assistance organizations, and the businesses they serve.

Who Should Attend

Nevada bankers and lending institutions

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)

Nonprofit organizations supporting small businesses

Government agencies focused on small business development

Alternative lenders and capital providers

Small Business technical assistance providers

Agenda Highlights

Participants will gain practical knowledge about current bank underwriting standards and lending environments. The event emphasizes identifying partnership opportunities that can collectively improve small businesses’ ability to access needed capital. Hear directly from regional bankers and alternative lenders about:

Available lending products and programs

Common barriers to extending credit

Current market conditions and trends

Non-traditional lending products and solutions

The program also includes a presentation of key findings from both the Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey and the NVSBDC Small Business Challenges Survey, providing insights into small business credit needs and challenges and how small businesses are adopting artificial intelligence (AI). The event will conclude with a facilitated discussion on opportunities for partnerships and collaboration to better serve Nevada’s small business community.

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