Indepth analysis of persistant problems in the field of community development. Woodstock's research reports contribute to the body of knowledge used by policymakers and community development practitioners.
Analyzes patterns of small business lending in the Chicago region. Notes patterns in lending related to geography and race. Highlights importance of branch networks for small business lending and discusses credit card banking.
Analyzes impacts of CDFIs in Illinois using FY 2001 data. Shows impactsof CDFIs on affordable housing, community facilities, individual development account programs, technical assistance, and other benefits. Makes a case for funding for the newly created Illinois Fund for Investment and Development (IFID), a CDFI authority for the state of Illinois.
Demonstrates the importance of bank investments in community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that are crucial actors in low-income community development. Utilizing a new data source covering 379 CDFIs across the country, finds that bank investments are crucial to CDFIs. Provides evidence of the importance of the investment test portion of CRA exams and calls for an increase in the appropriation of the federal CDFI Fund.
Demonstrates that banks with a commitment to reach unbanked or under-banked households can do so effectively and efficiently. The report profiles programs and services at Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Union Bank of California, First Bank of the Americas in Chicago, First Interstate Bank in Montana and Wyoming, and Wells Fargo Bank Wisconsin. These banks provide affordable checking or lifeline accounts, innovative financial literacy programs, and creative outreach and marketing strategies.
