Voices Blog – News & views for the community development field
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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.
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‘We’re looking for a place where we belong’: What we learned from talking to workers
As we think of ways to build the strong economy of tomorrow, we cannot afford to leave workers without a four-year degree, and their enormous potential, on the sidelines. “I […]
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A conversation on Skills Through Alternative Routes (STARs)
The labor market has transformed since the previous Uneven Outcomes conference. In this interview, we catch up with Papia Debroy who shares more on the concept of “Skills Through Alternative Routes.”
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Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, October 2023
Here’s what nonprofit and community leaders, and workforce professionals serving lower-income people shared with the Federal Reserve for the October 2023 Beige Book.
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[Watch] Navigating Benefits Cliffs – Barriers and Solutions
Explore Benefits Cliff from the perspective of employers, the Federal Reserve, and community leaders who help families navigate public assistance programs and plan for career advancement opportunities. Watch or listen on demand.
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Residents share their experiences with—and wishes for—broadband
A recent event in Kansas City highlights community-engaged research to identify digital divide causes and bridge the gap in underserved areas.
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The benefits cliff, explained
A benefits cliff can make a family feel like their hard work really isn’t paying off or helping them get ahead. Why is the benefits cliff issue so hard to address? And what are some communities doing to tackle it?