Fall 2010
Complete Issue

Contents (each article available in PDF)

• The Crisis and Latino Families
  by Janis Bowdler, Roberto G. Quercia, and David Andrew Smith
  Numerical assessments of the downturn sometimes feel inadequate, so the National Council of La Raza and UNC’s Center for Community Capital studied the human side—how foreclosures have affected Latino families nationwide.
• Advanced Manufacturing in New England
  by James Brett and Mike Reopel
  A recent New England Council study shows that although advanced manufacturing is strong in the region, active partnerships among educators, government, and companies will be critical for future growth.
• Rhode Island Unemployment
  by Leonard Lardaro, University of Rhode Island
  Rhode Island has had an unusually high unemployment rate in recent years. So Communities & Banking asked a local expert why that might be and what is being done about it.
• Coordinating Homeowner Assistance
  by Spencer M. Cowan and William M. Rohe, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  Low-income homeowners are eligible for both weatherization programs and rehabilitation programs, but a recent study found that the requirements and benefits of each differ enough to make coordination difficult.
• Mapping New England: Loan Modifications
  by Kai-yan Lee, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
  A comparison of median FICO scores and the effects of the Home Affordable Modification Program yields surprising visuals.
• Viewpoint: The Subprime Meltdown
  by Kathleen C. Engel and Patricia A. McCoy
  Today there is a frequent refrain that the subprime collapse was unanticipated. On the contrary, say the authors, many saw it coming. Step by step, they walk readers through the warning signs.
• Strengthening Early Care and Education
  by Louise Stoney and Libbie Naman Poppick, Opportunities Exchange
  High-quality early care and education is vital for children, but business challenges often keep providers from reaching their potential. Sharing business services can free providers to make important quality improvements.
• Vermont’s Creative Economy
  by Mollie S. Burke, Vermont State Representative
  Brattleboro, Vermont, one of the top 10 small “Art Towns” in America, shows how the arts can boost a region’s economic vitality with only moderate public investment.
• How Loan Modifications Affect Credit Scores
  by Prabal Chakrabarti, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
  Homeowners who receive loan modifications and avoid foreclosure may be startled to learn that participation in the loan-modification program adversely affects their credit score. The Boston Fed’s community development director explains.

Articles may be reprinted if Communities & Banking and the author are credited and the following disclaimer is used: "The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston or the Federal Reserve System. Information about organizations and upcoming events is strictly informational and not an endorsement."  

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