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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
