ICBA: New Polling Shows Public Support for Community Bank Policy Priorities
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today is kicking off the 2026 ICBA Capital Summit in Washington with the release of new polling data showing Americans support community banker views on the pressing issues attendees will be discussing with policymakers. “As community bankers hold in-person meetings with their members of Congress this week, new…
ICBA: New Polling Shows Dominant Support for Community Banks Amid Debate Over Digital Assets
With community bankers gathering in Washington this week for the Independent Community Bankers of America’s 2026 ICBA Capital Summit, new polling data show that Americans support community banks and want to ensure the industry is not harmed in the current debate over digital assets policy. “As community bankers representing local communities nationwide gather in Washington…
HUD: HUD and USDA Announce Major Rescission of Building Code Requirements
Secretary Scott Turner and Secretary Brooke Rollins today announced the rescission of a costly Biden Administration-era policy which added at least $20,000 to the cost of home construction. A 2024 Final Determination issued under President Biden rendered all new home construction ineligible for an FHA or USDA-backed mortgage loan unless the home was built according…
FHFA: House Price Index Unchanged in February 2026; Up 1.7 Percent from Last Year
U.S. house prices were unchanged in February, according to the U.S. Federal Housing (FHFA) seasonally adjusted monthly House Price Index (FHFA HPI®). House prices rose 1.7 percent from February 2025 to February 2026. The previously reported 0.1 percent price change in January was revised upward to 0.2 percent. For the nine census divisions, seasonally adjusted monthly home…
Treasury: Department Moves to Prevent Abuse of Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Programs
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced today that is has initiated a review of certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to identify potential violations of applicable law or CDFI requirements and to help ensure that CDFIs that receive federal assistance act as proper stewards of taxpayer funds. “CDFIs play a critical role in…
SBA: National Small Business Week 2026 Virtual Summit Agenda Announced
America’s Small Business Development Center to Co-host Free Two-Day Virtual Summit from May 5-6 Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced its full agendafor the National Small Business Week 2026 Virtual Summit, a free two-day online event that will take place May 5-6. The event is co-sponsored by America’s Small Business Development Center (ASBDC) and will feature educational workshops presented by cosponsors, access to…
FEMA: Over $137 Million in Federal Funding Announced to Help States and Local Communities Protect Against Disasters
Thanks to the Trump Administration, more money is flowing to American communities Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced more than $137 million in funding to help states prevent damage from future disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and wildfires. These awards will help to fund more than 50 projects in 20 states and territories across the country. Under the empowering leadership of Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, FEMA is…
HUD: Agency Empowers Real Estate Agents to Better Support American Homebuyers
Real estate agents are not breaking the law when they discuss crime rates and school quality with prospective homebuyers and renters. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sent a “Dear Colleague” letter to real estate professionals clarifying they are not violating the Fair Housing Act when they share information with prospective homebuyers…
OCC: Two Interim Final Actions Issued Clarifying Bank Powers under Federal Law and the Preemption of a Related State Law
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today announced an interim final rule and interim final order related to activities of national banks and Federal savings associations. The interim final rule clarifies the longstanding powers under Federal law for national banks to charge certain fees, regardless of whether those fees are set by…
Treasury: Form 990 Transparency Initiative Announced to Expose Hidden Funding and Strengthen Oversight
The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) plans to revise the Form 990 to improve transparency, strengthen tax administration, and provide clearer reporting on certain activities of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including government contracts, government grants, and fiscal sponsorship arrangements. The…