Agencies Issue Guide to Help Community Banks Evaluate FinTech Relationships
The federal bank regulatory agencies today released a guide intended to help community banks assess risks when considering relationships with financial technology (fintech) companies. Community banks are entering into business arrangements with fintech companies to offer enhanced products and services to their customers, increase efficiency, and reduce internal costs. This guide is intended to serve…
Census Bureau: Small Business Pulse Survey Phase 6 Weekly Data Released
The U.S. Census Bureau today released new data from the sixth phase of the Small Business Pulse Survey (SBPS). Data collection began August 16. Results will be released weekly August 26 to October 21. New content in the SBPS Phase 6 covers difficulties hiring employees, new workplace norms, changes in demand for goods or services, and price changes…
HUD: Nearly $95 Million Awarded to Protect Families from Lead and Other Home Health and Safety Hazards
Funding will make low-income families’ homes safer and healthier The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded nearly $95 million to 28 state and local government agencies in 19 states to protect children and families from lead-based paint and other home health hazards. HUD is providing these grants through its Lead Based Paint…
SBA: Moratorium Announced on Bona Fide Place of Business Requirements for the 8(a) Business Development Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced a moratorium on the requirement that participants in SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program must establish a bona fide place of business in a specific geographic area in order to be awarded any construction contract through the 8(a) Program due to the ongoing challenges of COVID-19. The moratorium is effective August 25, 2021,…
FEMA: President Biden Signs Major Disaster Declaration for California
FEMA announced federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of California to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by wildfires beginning on July 14, 2021, and continuing. The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Lassen, Nevada, Placer and Plumas counties. Assistance can include grants…
FEMA: Tennessee Storm Survivors and Communities in Three Additional Counties Can Now Apply for FEMA Assistance
Tennessee homeowners and renters in Dickson, Hickman and Houston counties who were affected by the severe storms and flooding on August 21, 2021, may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance. These additional counties join Humphreys County which was previously approved for disaster assistance. Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) to apply. The toll-free telephone lines operate from…
Census Bureau: America Counts State Data Profiles Released
The U.S. Census Bureau today released 52 individual data profiles on America Counts highlighting the recent 2020 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File release. These sharable data-rich state profiles are available for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and feature data visualizations that include population, housing, race, ethnicity, diversity and age data. Each profile provides…
Census Bureau: Household Pulse Survey Phase 3.2 Biweekly Data Released
The U.S. Census Bureau today released new data from phase 3.2 of the experimental Household Pulse Survey. This phase of data collection includes new questions on the Child Tax Credit, sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), rent/mortgage arrears, utility arrears and restrictions, summer catch-up education activities for grades K-12 and preventative health care for children. The…
HUD and Census Bureau: New Residential Sales Report for July 2021 Issued
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Census Bureau jointly announced the following new residential sales statistics for July 2021: New Home Sales Sales of new single-family houses in July 2021 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 708,000. This is 1.0 percent (±11.3 percent)* above the revised June…
OCC: Fourth Quarter 2021 and First Quarter 2022 CRA Evaluation Schedule Issued
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today released its schedule of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) evaluations to be conducted in the fourth quarter 2021 and first quarter 2022. The OCC encourages public comment on the national banks and federal savings associations scheduled to be evaluated under the CRA. Public comments should be…