Latest News and Views
-
Small business ecosystem supports highlighted during Fed event
Federal Reserve’s State of Small Business Symposium explored challenges facing small businesses, highlighting AI adoption, technical assistance programs, and wraparound support services driving success stories nationwide.
-
![[Watch] Building Community Capacity to Harness Opportunity Zones 2.0 Investments](https://fedcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/connecting-communities-opportunity-zones.jpg?w=1232)
[Watch] Building Community Capacity to Harness Opportunity Zones 2.0 Investments
This Connecting Communities webinar explored what’s changing in Opportunity Zones 2.0 and why it matters for communities across the country. It offered practical tips for building project pipelines, strengthening partnerships, and supporting community-focused investment. Watch or listen on demand.
-
Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, October 2026
The October Beige Book highlights financial strain as households face rising essential costs and reduced benefits, while nonprofits and small businesses continue to face growing demand, expenses, and uncertainty.
-
Initiatives and people boost rural opportunities
With deep rural ties and experience working with small businesses and nonprofits, Erika Bell supports rural economic growth at the Richmond Fed through initiatives that connect rural leaders with resources, training, and networks to build stronger communities.
-
The Quarterly Catch-up, Q3 2026
Check out the latest community development-related research, analyses, and articles from all 12 Federal Reserve Banks and the Board of Governors. This post captures content published between July 1 and September 30, 2026, on topics affecting communities.
-
Can banks deliver safe, inexpensive instant payment services to underbanked customers?
Some people with bank accounts still turn to nonbank services when they need to quickly send or receive money. But those services often come at a cost. Federal Reserve resources highlight why underbanked people use these alternatives and how offering lower-risk, inexpensive services might help banks better meet these consumers’ needs.
-
In the zone: Jason Vargo’s Fed work links data and economic opportunity
The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s Jason Vargo shares how the goals of opportunity zones align with his interest in improving economic outcomes and his community development data and research work.
-
![[Watch] When Every Dollar Counts: Worker Perspectives on the Economy](https://fedcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Sept-3-2026-CC-WP-1920x1280-1.jpg?w=1232)
[Watch] When Every Dollar Counts: Worker Perspectives on the Economy
In this recent Connection Communities webinar, discover how low- to moderate-income workers adapt to rising costs and limited opportunities. Hear firsthand stories, research highlights, and Federal Reserve leaders’ insights on how financial pressures shape choices, resilience, and the future of our economy. Watch or listen on demand.
-
Small-business owners: Share your experiences
Respond to the Federal Reserve’s Small Business Credit Survey today and contribute to data that directly inform the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others—a common good ultimately benefiting your business and others in the community.
-
Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, August 2026
Rising costs continue to put a strain on households and communities. The August Beige Book highlights pressures from housing, transportation, and health care costs, along with small businesses experiencing limited access to credit and workforce challenges.
-
Soft skills, strong futures: Preparing young workers for today’s labor market
Exploring youth workforce development programs at Federal Reserve Banks and their important emphasis on soft skills.
-
“Not one story, but many”: Fed policymakers enhance their understanding of rural economies through outreach
Fed Reserve leaders continue to deepen their knowledge about challenges and opportunities in rural parts of the country.