Voices Blog – News & views for the community development field
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Blossom Johnston does good by strengthening nonprofits in rural Idaho
Blossom Johnston’s strong connection to nature in rural communities, and her passion for children, led her to Idaho almost 40 years ago.
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How can research better support digital inclusion?
With digital access becoming increasingly necessary, researchers and practitioners consider the role research plays in informing digital inclusion efforts.
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When ‘mobile’ means buses or a horse and buggy: Innovative solutions to banking deserts
Two community banks, Bank of Bird-in-Hand and BankOnBuffalo, combat banking deserts in a unique way by bringing access to financial services to the communities that they serve.
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A closer look at rural CDFIs
Get insightful data and findings from the Richmond Fed’s 2023 CDFI Survey, highlighting the impact and challenges of rural CDFIs.
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Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, January 2024
Here’s what nonprofit and community leaders, and workforce professionals serving lower-income people shared with the Federal Reserve for the January 2024 Beige Book.
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Lifting voices: The power of Fed community development advisory councils
The Fed involves community development advisory councils to consider diverse perspectives from low-income communities when making decisions about monetary policy.
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Community input drives the digital literacy and internet access efforts of Mamacítas Cibernéticas
Mamacítas Cibernéticas (Cybernetic Mamas) wants to make sure the community has a say when it comes to digital inclusion in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.
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Data and discussion around CDFIs underscore the vital role they play
CDFIs play a critical role in getting capital into underserved communities. Findings from the Fed’s 2023 CDFI Survey, discussed at OFN’s annual conference, highlight opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
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Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, November 2023
Here’s what nonprofit and community leaders, and workforce professionals serving lower-income people shared with the Federal Reserve for the November 2023 Beige Book.
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In rural Virginia, a millennial farmer plants seeds in education, on land, and in government
Breyon says he’s continued the family legacy for many reasons, but one stands out. As a self-proclaimed “history nerd,” he says he wants to do his part to keep Black-owned family farms alive.
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Data to drive change: Veteran-owned small businesses
Small-business ownership allows military veterans to leverage skills gained while they served. The Fed’s Small Business Credit Survey shares insights about how veteran-owned businesses are doing.
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Four decades in, here’s how and why the CRA keeps evolving
The Community Reinvestment Act is undergoing its first significant modernization in about a quarter century. Take a look back at the historical conditions that shaped it.