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Research Reports Indepth analysis of persistent problems in the field of community development. Woodstock's research reports contribute to the body of knowledge used by policymakers and community development practitioners.
DocumentsDate added
Kathryn Tholin
A guide for congregations interested in understanding their community investment options, with descriptions of financial and management aspects, as well as social benefits, of different investment options. Examples provided. Geoff Smith and Sarah Duda
Woodstock Institute previously reported that the number of foreclosed properties reverting to bank ownership, or becoming Real Estate Owned (REO), in the Chicago region increased dramatically between 2005 and 2007.i These types of properties are of particular concern because they are likely to sit vacant until banks are able to transfer them to an owner who is able to put them back into productive use.
Geoff Smith and Sarah Duda The following report illustrates the relationship between foreclosures and vacant properties in the City of Chicago. It combines data from the City of Chicago on vacant and potentially vacant buildings with data on foreclosure filings, completed foreclosure auctions, and property transfers to better understand the number of vacant properties that have at some point been part of the foreclosure process. It identifies a group of “red flag” properties which are troubled vacant properties where a foreclosure has been filed, but no outcome has been reached. The report also identifies a group of lender-owned, foreclosed properties that are most likely vacant and not in compliance with the City of Chicago’s vacant building regulations. The report ends with policy recommendations to address problems associated with troubled, vacant foreclosures. Included are appendices of troubled, foreclosed vacant properties by Chicago community area and ward. Press release | Fact sheet | Briefing (mp3)
Key Trends in Chicago Area Mortgage Lending: Analysis of Data From the 2004 Chicago Area Community
03/28/2006
Geoff Smith
This analysis of Chicago area mortgage lending is intended as a companion piece to Woodstock Institute’s 2004 Chicago Area Community Lending Fact Book. It is meant to help put the mortgage lending data found in the Fact Book in a broader regional context. The first section analyzes regional trends in home purchase lending with a focus on changes in home buying patterns between 1999 and 2004. The second section focuses on patterns of high cost lending and foreclosures in the region.
Increasing the Stock of Affordable Housing: The Value of Different Strategies in a Growing Crisis
02/10/2004
Kimbra Neiman and Malcolm Bush
Evaluates a variety of strategies for tackling the shortage of affordable rental housing, particularly as these strategies would impact small "mom and pop" owners of rental housing. Looks at an "average" cash flow statement of a Chicago owner with a 24 unit building to illustrate the impacts. This report examines financial products that take advantage of the economic vulnerability of older persons and highlights key features of some alternatives. It is based on extensive conversations with leading members of the policy and advocacy community, financialservices industry, and bank regulatory agencies. The report concludes with recommendations for both bank regulatory andfinancial institution policy to advance financial products that protect the economic security of older persons. 
Hunting Down the Payday Loan Customer: The Debt Collection Practices of Two Payday Loan Companies
09/28/2006
Examines the court records of borrowers taken to court by two companies now offering payday installment loans. These loans, which were made before the Payday Loan Reform Act (PLRA), show the types of abuses and aggressive litigation borrowers can expect from these companies currently offering loans designed to circumvent the law.
This report uses public court files to document the loan terms, conditions, and litigation tactics of one of the largest payday lenders in Illinois. The findings are based on a sample of 444 debt collection cases filed against payday loan customers.
Government Interventions Have a Limited Impact on Chicago Area Foreclosure Activity in 2009
02/03/2010
Geoff Smith and Sarah Duda This report summarizes key foreclosure trends in the Chicago region for 2009 and updates Woodstock Institute reports and fact sheets released previously that illustrated key aspects of the foreclosure crisis, such as the spread of the crisis to suburban communities, the growing number of condominium foreclosures in Chicago, and the accumulated impact of the crisis on lower-income communities. The report includes detailed appendices with data for City of Chicago community areas and municipalities in the Chicago Six County Area, as well as DeKalb, Winnebago, and Kendall County.
Daniel Immergluck
Uses new CRA data to analyze lending by 50 largest small business lenders in the Chicago area. Ranks lenders by their tendency to lend to lower-income areas and smaller firms in such areas. |
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