FEMA: Public Comments Sought on Future Program Delivery Regarding Climate Change and Underserved Communities and Populations
FEMA is seeking public comments on how the agency’s programs deal with climate change and underserved communities and populations. Earlier this year, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. released three executive orders, 13985, 13990 and 14008, requiring agencies to assess existing programs and policies to determine the following: If agency programs and policies perpetuate systemic barriers to opportunities and benefits…
HUD: Secretaries of HUD & VA Issue Joint Statement on Ending Veteran Homelessness
From HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge and VA Secretary Denis McDonough The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress found that on a single night in January 2020, there were 37,252 Veterans experiencing homelessness in America, an increase of 0.4% over 2019. This number does not account for the…
OCC: April is National Financial Capability Month
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) encourages national banks and federal savings associations (collectively, banks) to support financial literacy education year-round but especially during National Financial Capability Month, which runs through April 30. Banks promote financial literacy by supporting programs that expand financial literacy, economic empowerment, and access to capital and credit…
EDA: $1.17 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Invested to Support Small Businesses and Manufacturers in Underserved Areas of San Jose, CA
Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.17 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the city of San Jose, California, to provide technical assistance to coronavirus-impacted small businesses and manufacturers in underserved areas of the city. “The Economic Development Administration is committed to helping communities across the nation…
SBA: Emerging Leaders Initiative to Help Growing Entrepreneurs Opened for 2021 Recruitment
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the launch of the 2021 Emerging Leaders initiative for executives of small businesses poised for growth in underserved markets. Local area recruitment for the 2021 training cycle is currently underway at designated SBA District Offices. Interested small business owners can learn more regarding eligibility, how to apply, class schedules and locations at www.sba.gov/emergingleaders,…
FHFA: Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s Duty to Serve Underserved Markets Plans for 2021 Announced
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today published the 2021 Underserved Markets Plans for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) under the Duty to Serve (DTS) program. The Plans became effective January 1, 2021. FHFA issued a final rule in 2016 that implemented the DTS provisions as mandated by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of…
OCC: Acting Comptroller Hosts Access to Capital Forum in Denver to Highlight CRA Activities
Acting Comptroller of the Currency Brian Brooks today hosted an “Access to Capital Forum” in Denver to promote investment and lending in underserved areas and to highlight activities supported by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) new Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rule. “Today, we brought together bankers, community developers, and advocates to…
OCC: Project REACh Announced to Promote Greater Access to Capital and Credit for Underserved Populations
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency today announced the launch of Project REACh to promote financial inclusion through greater access to credit and capital. REACh stands for Roundtable for Economic Access and Change and brings together leaders from the banking industry, national civil rights organizations, business, and technology to identify and reduce barriers…