Debating Improvements to the Community Reinvestment Act

The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 was the final of a suite of federal laws aimed at fighting racial segregation in housing. Congress is beginning to consider how best to modernize the act to meet the challenges of contemporary times.

1 minute read

February 11, 2020, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Washington D.C. - Federal Reserve

Stefan Fussan / Flickr

The House Committee on Financial Services recently held a hearing on the Community Reinvestment Act, one of the Federal Reserve's oversight duties, according to an article by Claudia Sahm.

News coverage of the hearing, such as that found here or here, as well as the hearing itself, can be hard to follow. You thought monetary policy was a black box? Debates about the Community Reinvestment Act are a bewildering mix of technical jargon and heated “she said-he said” exchanges.

Sahm makes it clear why Americans should care about the Community Reinvestment Act, and calls for improvements to the Community Reinvestment Act that will "make it accountable to Main Street."

Since the Community Reinvestment Act was adopted in 1977, Congress updated the act once, in 1995, and is now preparing to do the same again. According to Sahm, "The purpose of the act is not yet fulfilled—neighborhoods today still differ sharply and substantially by race and income. Massive differences in wealth remain."

Monday, February 3, 2020 in Washington Center for Equitable Growth

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

'Vertical canyon' on glass-clad residential high-rise in Denver, CO.

Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design

Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.  

November 29, 2024 - designboom

Close-up of black electric bike with person resting one foot on ground and holding blue helmet.

California E-Bike Rebate Program Launches — Again

After a series of fits and starts, CARB says the program will begin accepting applications this month.

December 5 - Streetsblog California

Vintage multi-story brick apartment building and modern concrete and glass apartment building separated by a steep public stairway in Los Angeles, California.

Analysis: Localized Upzoning Less Effective

Changing zoning rules for a small number of parcels can increase land values and housing costs without boosting the housing supply.

December 5 - Governing

Acela Amtrak train in station in New Haven, Connecticut.

Amtrak Breaks Ridership Record in FY 2024

More Americans than ever rode the rails last year, also bringing the agency its highest ticket revenue.

December 5 - Smart Cities Dive

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.