Voices Blog – News & views for the community development field
-
The grass is greener where you water it: Perspectives from a Black business owner
Two rising high school seniors share insights from a Black small-business owner about the challenges of running a small lawn care business.
-
![[Watch] The Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2022](https://fedcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/shed-connecting-communities-0713.png?w=1024)
[Watch] The Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2022
How did inflation affect families last year? Did trends shift in the use of emerging financial products? This recent discussion with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors explores findings from the Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED). Watch or listen on demand.
-
What is driving the continued women’s labor force shortage?
While women’s labor force participation has grown significantly post-pandemic, the lack of accessible and affordable child care can hinder employment prospects.
-
Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, July 2023
Here’s what nonprofit and community leaders, and workforce professionals serving lower-income people shared with the Federal Reserve for the July 2023 Beige Book.
-
‘It shouldn’t be this hard’: Small Business Credit Survey highlights funding challenges for startups owned by people of color
Half of businesses survive at least five years but many start on shaky financial footing. The Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey reveals unique funding challenges for startups owned by people of color.
-
Navigating a changing economy requires resources, data, ideas—and listening
More than 400 community development professionals met in Cleveland, Ohio in mid-June for Policy Summit 2023, an event that featured various sessions aimed at highlighting and addressing economic challenges in the current economy.
-
Staying afloat amid rising costs: Insights from the Federal Reserve Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED)
Get insights from the October 2022 survey on issues ranging from inflation to shrinking retirement savings to barriers to homeownership.
-
Exploring the Federal Reserve’s commitment to community development and economic stability
A recent Federal Reserve History essay highlights the Fed’s rich history of commitment to community development, showcasing the central bank’s partnerships with community organizations, financial institutions, and government agencies.
-
![[Watch] A Community Approach to Disaster Recovery](https://fedcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/diaster-recovery-cc.png?w=1024)
[Watch] A Community Approach to Disaster Recovery
Recovering from natural disasters can be difficult for underserved communities, with limited access to disaster funds & insurance. The Federal Reserve & FEMA share how their programs can help low- to moderate-income communities respond. Watch or listen on demand.
-
The economic realities faced by LGBTQ+ adults
When it comes to financial security, LGBTQ+ adults have fewer resources than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. Not only do disparities in financial well-being exist between these two groups, but evidence also suggests inequality in mental health.
-
Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, May 2023
Here’s what nonprofit and community leaders, and workforce professionals serving lower-income people shared with the Federal Reserve for the May 2023 Beige Book.
-
Who can access their dream of homeownership?
Homeownership is an onramp to wealth for some Americans. For others, buying a house is out of reach. Here’s one way to pinpoint who is getting their foot in the door, and where.