ISSUE 138 | January 5, 2022

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From Around the Region and the State Economic and Policy News

Research recommends support for sustainable Black homeownership  A brief from the Federal Reserve Bank in Philadelphia highlights the wealth-building function of real estate. Findings also identify how discriminatory policies contribute to inequitable market outcomes. Homeownership is more expensive for people of color, for instance, and more vulnerable to economic downturn than it is for White residents. Click here to read the full article Circular Philadelphia supports small business through advocacy Waste reduction is a high-priority issue across the globe, yet public policy often falls short of this goal. A new nonprofit on a mission to “use, collect, sort, and recycle or repurpose” everyday materials to build a circular economy while advocating for policy reform that supports waste reduction in small businesses. The organization is less than one year old with a major win, demonstrating that community initiatives can successfully engage government for good.  Click here to read the full article More communities to benefit from neighborhood redevelopment Old friends, together from the Milton Hershey School through Penn State University, have reconnected to form The Bridge. This organization redevelops abandoned properties in underserved neighborhoods into mixed-use development. Milton Hershey and Nipsey Hussle have inspired The Bridge’s framework to create equity, opportunity, and vibrancy.  Click here to read the full article

From Around the Nation and the Globe Economic and Policy News

Joint publication targets vacancy and neighborhood revitalization Just as there is no singular cause of blight in a community, there is no singular solution. That’s why the Center for Community Progress and the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Cleveland compiled a book of evidence-based solutions with replicabilities in urban and rural communities of various sizes. It highlights issues elevated by the Great Recession and further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read the full article Food hall incubates small businesses on the Mother Road A former Tulsa warehouse functioning as kitchen incubator and food hall has supported more than 150 small businesses. It began as a commercial kitchen space available for rent in hourly increments, and tenants began testing food at local farmer’s market. Eventually, the ground floor transitioned into a café where incubator members could rotate in and out as pop-ups, and evolved with permanent and temporary slots offered. Click here to read the full article Report details numerous facets and responses to housing insecurity  The eviction crisis is not over, and current programs keeping families in their homes are expiring. A report by the Federal Bank of New York explores the implications for vulnerable renters as well as the risks to vulnerable landlords. Takeaways include potential solutions and emphasis on the importance of data to mitigate the crisis.   Click here to read the full article

Research Spotlight! The Institute's Housing Task Force has studied blight, housing insecurity and affordability, and even aging and equity issues. To learn more about these important matters, use the link provided and click the red box labeled 'Housing.' Then scroll down to find nearly a decade of research! Click Here

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