What's New

Dynamic maps and data showing subprime and alt-A mortgage loan conditions in the U.S.
The maps, maintained by the New York Fed, display regional variation in the condition of securitized, owner-occupied subprime and alt-A mortgage loans. The maps and data can help identify existing and potential foreclosure hotspots. This may assist community groups, which can mobilize resources to bring financial counseling and other resources to at-risk homeowners. Policymakers can also use the maps and data to develop plans to lessen the direct and spillover impacts that delinquencies and foreclosures may have on local economies. Local governments may use the data and maps to prioritize the expenditure of their resources for these efforts. Access the data »

Community Affairs Event
RAISE Texas Action Summit — Register online now for this year's RAISE Texas Action Summit, which encapsulates the information and experience of Texas stakeholders from the previous summits and moves the process forward through four action campaigns in 2008: matched savings accounts, community tax centers and EITC, alternative small dollar consumer loan products and home mortgage foreclosure prevention. Read more »

Banking and Community Perspectives
Homeownership and Affordable Lending: A Case Study — This issue highlights the importance of sound lending practices to help low- and moderate-income households preserve their assets. It presents the results of a study that examined the impact of the city of Dallas' Mortgage Assistance Program on participants and neighborhoods. Read more »

e-Perspectives
Toolkit Offers Online Resources for CRA Officers
This article highlights popular Community Reinvestment Act websites of interest to bankers, community groups and others engaged in the CRA. Read more »

2009 Call for Papers
Innovative Financial Services of the Underserved: Opportunities and Outcomes—Sixth Biennial Research Conference of Community Affairs Offices of Federal Reserve System, April 16-17, 2009 Read more »

New from the FR Board: Foreclosure Resources for Consumers provides information and links to agencies and organizations that may be able to help consumers who are having difficulty paying their mortgage. 5 Tips for Improving Your Credit Score helps consumers understand how a credit score is determined and provides steps to improve it.

Updated versions of Building Wealth: A Beginner’s Guide to Securing Your Financial Future are now available. The new versions include an animated, interactive CD-ROM—plus updated Internet and print editions. The interactive CD-ROM and online guides include introductory video comments by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and Dallas Fed President and CEO Richard Fisher. Read more »