Rural

HUD: $225 Million Awarded to Preserve and Revitalize Housing

Funds will support manufactured housing communities through repairs, infrastructure upgrades, homeowner assistance and creation of new homes.  Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the award of $225 million in competitive grant funding for 17 awardees with proposed projects across 26 states through the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement…

HUD: $12 Million Invested to Strengthen Rural Communities

With nearly $550 million invested, grants empower non-profits to expand affordable housing and boost community development for families in rural America. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded $12 million in capacity-building grants to five national non-profit organizations through the FY 23-24 Rural Capacity Building program which will fund rural housing…

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”…