SBA: Proposed Rule Reforms 8(a) Business Development Program to End Racial Discrimination in Federal Contracting
Agency issues new proposed rule to dismantle race-based admissions Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released a proposed rule to end racial discrimination in the 8(a) Business Development Program and dismantle the race-based admissions framework that previously barred Americans of certain races from accessing 8(a) set-aside and sole-source contracting opportunities. Under the new rule, individuals will no longer…
SBA: Agency-Wide Reorganization Announced to Modernize, Drive Operational Efficiency, and Enhance Accountability to Taxpayers
Reforms Strengthen SBA’s Service Levels, Technology, and Access for Small Businesses and Disaster Survivors Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced an agency-wide reorganization designed to modernize its organizational structure, improve operational efficiency to better serve small businesses, and strengthen accountability to taxpayers. By aligning employees around departmental expertise and management, the reorganization will reduce significant…
ABA: Bank Economists Find that Credit Conditions Expected to Hold Stable Over Next Six Months
While credit conditions are expected to continue softening slightly over the next six months as the labor market encounters headwinds and the economy handles external shocks, they are expected to remain stable according to the American Bankers Association’s latest Credit Conditions Index released today. ABA’s Credit Conditions Index examines a suite of indices derived from…
SBA: First $30 Million in Loans Delivered Through SBA 90% Grocery Guarantee Announced
Early loan approvals are directing new capital across food supply chain to support lower grocery costs Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it has approved 19 loans totaling more than $30 million in just one month through its enhanced 90% Grocery Guarantee. These early approvals mark an important step in President Trump’s effort to make groceries…
HUD: Agency Announces Regulatory Best Practices to Unleash Building and Increase Homeownership Across America
Deregulate Homebuilding by Reducing Costs, Unlocking Land, and Accelerating Timelines The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the State and Local Best Practices for Home Construction Report, a series of regulatory actions for state and local governments to increase efficiency and ease regulatory barriers to housing construction and affordability. “HUD is encouraging our state…
SBA: Cumulative 7(a) and 504 Loan Limit Doubled to $10 Million
Effective July 4, eligible borrowers can access record levels of SBA-backed funding Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced a new rule that will allow eligible borrowers to combine their 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in SBA-backed financing, increasing the cumulative loan limit from its current $5 million…
OCC: Two Final Rules on Preemption of State Interest-on-Escrow Laws Issued
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today issued two final rules on national banks’ and federal savings associations’ real estate lending powers related to the payment of interest on funds held in escrow accounts. The OCC’s actions emphasize federal preemption as a critical tool for reducing unnecessary burden, enabling local and national…
OCC: Semiannual Risk Perspective Highlights Key Risks in Federal Banking System
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today reported the key issues facing the federal banking system in the Semiannual Risk Perspective for Spring 2026. Bank earnings improved in 2025, supported by loan growth and a decline in funding costs. Balance sheets remain strong and credit risk within the federal banking system remains manageable. Earnings…
ABA: Farm Banks Remain Key Source of Credit for America’s Farmers and Rural Communities
Farm banks continued to play a central role in financing U.S. agriculture in 2025, accounting for more than one-third of all farm lending nationwide while maintaining solid capital, profitability and employment levels, according to ABA’s 2025 Farm Bank Performance Report. Banks held nearly $212 billion in farm loans at the end of 2025, representing 35.7% of total…
HUD: Environmental Reviews Streamlined to Lower Multifamily Development Costs
FHA updates remove outdated requirements, cut inefficiencies, and support housing production HUD announced updates to environmental review requirements for multifamily housing, removing outdated provisions that have increased costs and complexity for lenders and developers. These changes, issued through HUD’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) via a Mortgagee Letter, revise the Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) Guide to streamline outdated and burdensome…