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 the diverse impacts and contributions of eight community development credit unions (CDCUs) in different economic, institutional, geographic, and demographic settings. It is designed to help CDCUs develop and implement new community development programs and form collaborations with community organizations, intermediaries, trade associations, and banks.
Describes the benefits of collaboration between CDFIs and mainstream
financial institutions; regulatory and legislative opportunities for
building and strengthening such partnerships, and an analysis of the
types of relationships that have evolved in recent years. Detailed case
studies describe how creative partnerships have developed between a
variety of CDFIs and conventional lenders.
This report analyzes data on 504 lending for the
entire nation and for the Chicago metropolitan area to discern whether
this SBA program is serving sound economic development purposes.
This study finds that minorities and lower-income people who use these
"fringe banks" pay higher prices for basic financial services. In
addition to demonstrating the high costs charged by CEs, this Alert
makes recommendations aimed at encouraging greater use of banks by
these CE users, at reducing excessive fees charged by CEs, and at
increasing consumer awareness of the relative costs of financial
services.
Documents the disproportionate concentration of liquor stores in lower-income and African-American neighborhoods in Cook County, Illinois. Also examines efforts and policies in Chicago and around the country to curb excessive liquor store densities in lower-income communities. Makes recommendations to stem the conditions that lead to liquor store over-concentration and blight.
