Latest News and Views
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![[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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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How are rising insurance premiums affecting lower-income homeowners?
Rising homeowners insurance premiums are raising overall housing costs and particularly straining lower-income households’ budgets. Learn what Federal Reserve researchers found about these insurance dynamics and some impacts and considerations for lower- and middle-income homeowners.
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![[Watch] Understanding Benefits Cliffs: Evidence, Insights, and Open Questions](https://fedcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/benefits-cliff-connecting-communities.jpg?w=1232)
[Watch] Understanding Benefits Cliffs: Evidence, Insights, and Open Questions
Benefits cliffs can hinder economic mobility when career advancement results in the loss of public benefits. In this Connecting Communities webinar, explore research, innovative pilot programs, and community-driven strategies to help workers, employers, and policy makers navigate these challenges. Watch or listen on demand.
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“We want to know what our businesses need”: Nevada small business center values Fed’s Small Business Credit Survey insights
The Nevada Small Business Development Center gains useful data and insights into what its small-firm clientele needs because of its partnership in the Federal Reserve’s annual Small Business Credit Survey.
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Beyond the household budget: A conversation on the affordability and economics of child care
Child care availability has significant implications for the nation’s economic health. An economist, policy experts, and a Fed researcher share perspectives and considerations related to thinking about child care affordability and how it impacts accessibility.
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Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, July 2026
Communities nationwide are dealing with higher costs, limited affordable housing, workforce shifts, and less funding for training. Some workers now value stability more than advancement, while employers focus on hiring candidates with strong soft skills and offer job training.
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The Quarterly Catch-up, Q2 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 April 1 and June 2026, on topics affecting communities.
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“This is a way for Nebraska to be heard”: Coalition drives responses for—and representation in—the Fed’s Small Business Credit Survey
Two agencies supporting small business growth in Nebraska have teamed up to drive survey responses for the Federal Reserve’s annual Small Business Credit Survey. Their coalition efforts have yielded valuable insights into what small business owners in the state need—and helped bring their voices into policy discussions.