Agencies Release List of Distressed or Underserved Nonmetropolitan Middle-Income Geographies
Federal bank regulatory agencies today released the 2024 list of distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies where certain bank activities are eligible for Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) credit. Under the CRA, the agencies assess a bank’s record of meeting the credit needs of its entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and…
FHFA: Public Input Sought on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s Proposed Duty to Serve Underserved Market Plans for 2025-2027
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today issued a request for input (RFI) on the proposed 2025-2027 Underserved Markets Plans (Plans) submitted by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) under the Duty to Serve (DTS) program. The proposed Plans cover the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027. “Providing sustainable liquidity for affordable housing…
SBA: USDA and SBA Strengthen Partnership to Create Jobs and Economic Growth in Rural America
Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s 33 million small businesses, announced today that the SBA is strengthening its longstanding partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create jobs and expand access to new and better market opportunities for…
HUD: Deputy Secretary Announces New Streamlined Enrollment Process for Afforable Connectivity Program in Albany, Georgia
Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman met with the Mayor of the City of Albany, Georgia, local leaders, housing providers, and community members to discuss rural housing needs and access to quality broadband connections. As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in Rural America Tour, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Deputy Secretary Adrianne…
SBA: $8 Million in PRIME Grants Awarded to Help Micro-Entrepreneurs
Grants will help 32 organizations with program development and provide training and technical assistance to improve access to capital for economically disadvantaged microentrepreneurs Today, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice for America’s 33 million small businesses in President Biden’s Cabinet, announced the awardees for the 2023 Program for Investment in…
SBA: Small Business Loan Program Improvements Launched to Expand Access to Capital
Lending program improvements expand access to capital for small businesses and increases protection against fraud On August 1, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) began implementing additional policies aimed at expanding small business access to capital by modernizing SBA’s signature 7(a) and 504 Loan Programs. Today’s loan program updates build on Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman’s previous announcements that address…
Agencies Release List of Distressed and Underserved Nonmetropolitan Middle-Income Geographies for 2023
Federal bank regulatory agencies today made available the 2023 list of distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies. The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) encourages banks to help meet the credit needs of their local communities, including low- and moderate- income communities, in a safe and sound manner. Distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies are census tracts…
CFPB: Report Released on Banking Access and Consumer Finance in Southern States
Reports highlight gaps and identify opportunities to improve financial outcomes for many Southerners The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today issued two new reports on the financial opportunities and challenges facing Southern communities. The Southern U.S. is home to diverse populations, including many rural areas. Many areas of the Southern region are considered “banking deserts”…
SBA: Law Implemented to Enhance Ability to Declare Disasters and Deliver Support to Rural Communities
Today, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced full implementation of the Disaster Assistance for Rural Communities Act (the “Act”) authored by Senators James Risch (R-ID) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Rural communities often face more severe impacts from natural disasters due to limited access to resources and infrastructure, which limits a community’s ability to recover and…
HUD: More Than $22 Million Awarded to Expand Access to Affordable Housing & Homeownership
$12.5 million in Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity (SHOP) Grants; $10 million Rural Capacity Building Grants The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded $12 million in grants to support non-profit, self-help housing organizations that enable homeownership opportunities for hard-working, low-income families and individuals. Funded through HUD’s Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP), the grants awarded…