The Community Affairs Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City supports the Federal Reserve System's economic growth objectives by promoting community development and fair and impartial access to credit. The department focuses research on challenging issues affecting economic prospects in low- and moderate-income communities and brings together community stakeholders to explore prospective solutions.

Community Development News

National Conference: Economic Development in Underserved Communities: Where Research and Practice Meet Sept. 9-10 in Kansas City

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is hosting a national conference that will highlight the latest research and best practices in the application of economic development policy in underserved rural and low- and moderate-income urban communities. The conference will explore the groundwork necessary for transitioning these communities into a new knowledge-based economy. (July 30, 2010)

Second Quarter LMI Survey Shows Decrease in Nonprofit Funding

More nonprofit organizations reported a decrease in funding in the Kansas City Fed's latest Low- and Moderate-Income Survey. Also, financial conditions for low- and moderate-income populations continued to deteriorate moderately, though at a slower rate than last year. (July 30, 2010)

Community Connections
	The latest Community Affairs newsletter features articles on research, events and emerging trends across the Tenth District, including a look at how the Kansas City Fed is helping nonprofits in the Tenth District address funding challenges. (July 30, 2010)

Addressing the Financing Needs of Small Businesses

Credit challenges are numerous and complex and will require creativity and persistence to solve, Federal Reserve Board Gov. Elizabeth A. Duke said Monday. (July 13, 2010)

A Study of the Unbanked and Underbanked Consumer in the Tenth Federal Reserve District
	A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City provides insight into the 2.3 million unbanked and underbanked households in the Tenth District. Nationally, 30 million households rely on nonbanks to meet all or some of their basic financial needs. To better understand this population, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City conducted a qualitative research project involving unbanked and underbanked individuals. The project revealed the attitudes and financial strategies of consumers who do not use banks to manage their finances or conduct simple transactions. (May 27, 2010)

Economic Review: Attracting the Power Cohort to the Tenth District

This fourth quarter Economic Review article by Kelly Edmiston argues that the relative performance of migration across Tenth District cities is largely a function of two sets of factors. The district does well based on unemployment, wages, and taxes. But it is relatively weak in cultural and recreational amenities, intellectual capital, topography, and crime.

Weighing the Effects of Financial Education in the Workplace

A new Community Affairs study suggests that both employers and workers benefit from financial education programs in the workplace. Workers make better personal financial decisions and employers find themselves with less-stressed workers.

Resources Federal Reserve Helps Communities and Consumers Respond to Challenging Times

Community Affairs integrates research, relationship building and resources to help communities address the needs of low- and moderate-income populations. This article focuses on the role of Community Affairs in the Tenth District and includes links to research, activities and community partnerships.

Foreclosure Resource Center
	The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has collected a number of resources on foreclosures. These resources include research on regional trends, information on local foreclosure rates and links to consumer and community organizations involved in mitigation efforts.

Community Affairs in the Federal Reserve System
	Learn more about outreach and educational activities of the Community Affairs program throughout the Federal Reserve System, with links to upcoming events and community development resources.