Bonnie S. Blankenship

No county is without challenges, but those in rural areas face a unique set of difficulties. Studying three of our region’s most economically challenged counties revealed that being connected—in a variety of ways—is crucial for success.

Recovering from an emergency event is accomplished in phases—and with many hands. Seeing the many pressing needs of the area, one eastern Kentucky nonprofit realized that more staffing was part of the solution and took action.

For lower-income households, the barriers to homeownership can seem insurmountable. Lending programs can help address the lack of traditional financing available to buyers who are often left out of homeownership—those who need a small-dollar mortgage.

Through investment in its community, one organization is helping its business district remain a local economic driver—even during a pandemic.

With businesses closed and orders to shelter in place, many tenants—especially those with low- to moderate-incomes—are finding themselves unemployed, unable to pay their rents, and subject to eviction. There are resources to help.

For the formerly incarcerated, questions abound: What is the next step? Where can I get a job? How can I begin rebuilding my life? One Cincinnati company is providing answers.

Land contracts, when appropriately administered, allow low-income individuals who might not qualify for conventional bank-financed mortgages a chance to become homeowners.

The Central Appalachian region is currently experiencing an economic transition. Philanthropic organizations are working to overcome the region’s challenges by capitalizing on its natural assets.

What wage does someone need to make in order to afford a 2-bedroom apartment in Northern Kentucky?

A summit gives young leaders in Cincinnati important lessons.

A partnership involving the AFN and three Reserve Banks is accelerating economic recovery in the Central Appalachia region.

Leadership Cincinnati helps young professionals develop skills to contribute to guiding the Cincinnati region into the future.

East End Community Center in Dayton works toward brighter futures for young residents.

Community development organizations are increasingly adopting the practice of bundling services.

Some funders are employing a holistic model for community development projects.

The Cleveland Fed’s Policy Summit gathers policymakers, researchers, academics, and others to discuss and offer solutions to issues that impact communities.

Increased digital services show that recent regulatory guidelines do not prevent bank branches from complying with the Community Reinvestment Act.

Appalshop—a media, arts, and education center, seeks to preserve the rich cultural history and heritage of Appalachia.

The unemployment rate is the primary indicator of the tightness of the labor market and in the Fourth District, the labor market tightness varies.