Voices Blog – News & views for the community development field
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![[Watch] Highlights from the 2024 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking](https://fedcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/shed-connecting-communities-0713.png?w=1024)
[Watch] Highlights from the 2024 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking
During this Connecting Communities webinar, researchers from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors presented the key findings from the 2025 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED). Watch or listen on demand.
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Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, May 2025
Here’s what nonprofit and community leaders, and workforce professionals serving lower-income people shared with the Federal Reserve for the May 2025 Beige Book.
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Child care: An economic issue
Accessible high-quality child care contributes to a thriving economy and workforce. However, the limited supply and high cost of quality care is out of reach for many families.
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Economic Well-Being of US Households in 2024
The Federal Reserve Board’s 2024 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking report explores the financial circumstances of adults and families, highlighting stable well-being amid ongoing price concerns and a strong labor market.
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Workforce as an investment: Philadelphia Fed Patrick Harker reflects on the Fed’s work in building a more inclusive workforce
In this Q&A, outgoing Philadelphia Fed President and CEO Patrick Harker, who has helmed the Philly Fed since 2015, reflects on why he views workforce development as an investment, how the Fed’s role in supporting workers has evolved, and how listening to communities has shaped his approach to monetary policy.
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Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, April 2025
Here’s what nonprofit and community leaders, and workforce professionals serving lower-income people shared with the Federal Reserve for the April 2025 Beige Book.
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Debt-related license suspensions put the brakes on employment
Debt-related driver’s license suspensions can keep people out of the workforce and make it hard for businesses to find and keep the employees they need. Research and practical interventions are helping to change that.
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How have CDFIs leveraged various funding mechanisms? Federal Reserve survey aims to find out
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are important to closing gaps in credit and capital access. The 2025 CDFI Survey aims to dive into specific topics or challenges in the CDFI landscape.
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The Quarterly Catch-up, Q1 2025
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 January 1 and March 31, 2025, on topics affecting communities.
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Key insights from the 2024 Small Business Credit Survey
The 2024 Small Business Credit Survey revealed a decline in revenue growth, with more firms experiencing revenue decreases. Credit applications stayed steady, but fewer firms sought financing from large banks, turning to smaller banks and alternative lenders.
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Affording homeownership now is hard for many. These approaches may help.
In this explainer, learn more about some of the factors recently complicating affordable US homeownership and discover how some communities and organizations are helping to extend affordable homeownership to more families.
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Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, February 2025
Here’s what nonprofit and community leaders, and workforce professionals serving lower-income people shared with the Federal Reserve for the February 2025 Beige Book.