Geoff Smith

Analysis of HB 4050 pilot area lending and foreclosure patterns.

This fact sheet describes the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) and outlines key reforms that must be made to HMDA, including improving the collection of data on borrower income and debt-to-income ratios, closing gaps in types of loans that are required to be reported, and reporting additional data for purchased loans.

 

Findings and recommendations from a February 2011 briefing at which Woodstock Institute convened a group of key stakeholders at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to discuss solutions that would keep properties occupied, hold mortgage loan servicers accountable for their disposition of properties in the foreclosure process, and return vacant properties back to productive use.

In response to dramatic proposals to change the housing finance system in Washington, Woodstock Institute convened a panel discussion on May 12, 2011 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago with top housing decision-makers to explore the current challenges to mortgage finance and potential impacts on low-wealth communities and communities of color. This document summarizes critiques and proposals that arose from the discussion.

Tom Feltner

Provides a state-by-state comparison of key consumer protections included in payday lending legilstation and regulation and compares to the consumer protections offered by H.B. 1100 developed by Woodstock Institute and the Monsignor John Egan Campaign for Payday Loan Reform.

Tom Feltner

Describes the distribution of refund anticipation loan lending in the Chicago region using 2003 IRS tax preparation data - the most recent available.  Also provides information on recent innovations in the income tax loan industry such as the holiday and paystub loan. 

Educational flyer for the general public that demonstrates the high costs and risks associated with refund anticipation loans (RALs). Ideal for posting in community organizations, free tax preparation sites, credit counseling organizations, churches, banks or credit unions, or any organization with community ties.

This policy brief summarizes the findings of "Left Behind: Troubled Foreclosed Properties and Servicer Accountability in Chicago." It describes troubled foreclosed properties, highlights key findings, and summarizes the policy recommendations in the report.

A fact sheet on the need to expand the Community Reinvestment Act, including points on how the American Community Investment Reform Act of 2010 will expand community investment by expanding the scope of CRA, increasing accountability and transparency, and emphasizing community development.

This policy brief summarizes the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's authorities in the absence of a confirmed director.