Trending Topics

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Community Reinvestment Act & CRA+Plus

FDIC to scrutinize credit unions buying community banks as those M&As reach record high in 2024

The FDIC, in bank merger guidelines issued Sept 17., said it may for the first time require credit unions to provide more information on proposed bank deals so the agency can assess whether they serve community needs. Read more

CFPB takes deep dive into seven state-level laws modeled on the federal CRA

The Bureau found that state-level laws apply to a wider array of institutions beyond just banks and that state exams have significantly fewer outstanding-rated institutions. Read more

The New Age Of Corporate Social Responsibility: Beyond Checkbook Philanthropy

Today’s businesses recognize that their success is intrinsically tied to the well-being of the communities and environments they affect. Read more

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Economic & Social Development

Delaware is doing something right: state maintains economic stability, again misses FDIC ‘Underserved’ list

While Delaware’s stable economic indicators cause optimism, CRA remains a vital tool for encouraging banks to meet the credit needs of all segments of their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Read more

History in the making: Jacksonville Council approves community benefits deal with Jaguars

Jacksonville is poised to set a record among NFL markets after approval of the remaining $300 million community benefits agreement between the city and the Jaguars.Read more

Ambetter from Buckeye Health Plan Expands Health Insurance Offering to 72 Counties Across Ohio

The company will offer a variety of affordable health insurance plans to Ohioans in 72 counties in plan year 2025. Open enrollment begins from Nov. 1, 2024. Read more

We deliver creative, best-in-class, full-service, scalable solutions for clients. Find out how our expert insights can help you organization.

Affordable Housing & Urban (Re) Design

Cleveland Housing Investment Fund launches with initial $38 million commitment to support affordable housing

Fund focused on underrepresented communities; seeded with $18M commitment from the City of Cleveland and $20M commitment from KeyBank. Read more

Maryland launches Reinvest Baltimore to Maximize Economic Potential for Neighborhoods in Baltimore City

Program will tackle concentrations of vacant properties, revitalize neighborhoods and maximize the economic potential and quality of life for residents in Baltimore City. Read more

Akron picks urban planning firm to lead Innerbelt redesign master plan

The plan aims to better connect the east and west sides of Akron, while correcting historic mistakes which displaced thousands of Black residents for the highway. Read more

We deliver creative, best-in-class, full-service, scalable solutions for clients. Find out how our expert insights can help you organization.

Asset Management

Inside the Biggest Challenges, Opportunities of Making Assisted Living More Affordable

Affordability in senior living remains a key challenge for senior living operators, and for those who navigate the affordable housing and middle-market. Read more

As affordable housing LIHTC disappears, states scramble to shore up the losses

Affordable housing built with the LIHTC has pumped out 3.6 million units but as many as 223,0000 of these units could disappear in the next 5 years signaling rent hikes. Read more

US bank regulator eyes scrutiny of asset manager stakes in banks

A top U.S. banking regulator is considering a plan to ensure asset management giants BlackRock , Vanguard and State Street stick to their passive roles in U.S. banks. Read more

We deliver creative, best-in-class, full-service, scalable solutions for clients. Find out how our expert insights can help you organization.

Minority & Women-Owned Enterprise

MTA Pledges up to $7.5B to Support Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses

The MTA committed to awarding between $6.5 billion and $7.5 billion in contracts to NY State Certified MWBE, SDVOB as part of its newly unveiled 2025-2029 Capital Plan. Read more

Rhode Island Builders Association Helps Boost Minority Business Success

The association is partnering with the state's Department of Labor and Training to implement the Latino & MWBE to develop, promote and boost MBE success. Read more

$2.3 billion in contracts awarded to MWOB business enterprises for JFK airport transformation

This is the largest participation of MWBE firms on any project in New York State history and shows the state is redeveloping in lockstep with the local community. Read more

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Trade Missions & Business Engagements

Philippines Trade Mission Visits West-Central Ohio Farm to discuss sustainability practices

The director of market development for Ohio Corn and Wheat says the U.S. Grains Council Export Exchange is an opportunity to build trade relationships with other countries. Read more

Vietnamese Trade Delegation from the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce Visits Ohio

The Vietnamese delegation represents various industries looking to export to Ohio, including plastics, food and beverage, health care/beauty, natural rubber and more. Read more

Irish medtech startup entrepreneurs visited to scout out the Greater Cleveland region as a place to do business. 

They were recruited and invited by Team NEO. The delegation met with service providers, Ohio Venture Fund, and potential customers, and attended the Ohio VC Fest. Read more

We deliver creative, best-in-class, full-service, scalable solutions for clients. Find out how our expert insights can help you organization.

Events & Presentations

Alpha Real Estate Summit, Charlotte, North Carolina

We anticipate an audience of 300-450 attendees, including a mix of professionals from minority-owned businesses, financial institutions, and organizations focused on affordable housing & community development. Additionally, our outreach efforts are focused on black fraternities and sororities, ensuring a strong presence of emerging leaders from these communities.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet senior officials from HUD for dynamic discussions around promoting equitable access to housing and winning approaches to creating abundant, affordable, and sustainable communities. HUD will have an exhibit space and there will be plenty of opportunities for 1x1 conversations with attendees throughout the Summit.

Here are names of confirmed HUD dignitaries attending the Summit:

  • Kevin R. Cooke, Jr. - General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

  • Jennifer Riley Collins - Regional Administrator for Region IV, Office of Field Policy and Management

  • DeAndra J. Cullen - Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Office of Enforcement and Compliance

  • Calvin C. Johnson - Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Development and Research, Office of Research, Evaluation, and Monitoring

  • Donald Billingsley - Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Housing, Office of Multifamily Programs

  • Sharlene Abbot - Senior Community Planning and Development Representative, Office of Community Planning and Development

We are a Sponsor and marketing vendor for the 2024 Alpha Summit. Our CEO & President, Norman A. Bliss, will moderate the fireside chat.

We deliver creative, best-in-class, full-service, scalable solutions for clients. Find out how our expert insights can help you organization.