Just News

for January 31, 2025

News and views from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. Find more at ncrc.org.

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Announcements

Early Bird Prices For Just Economy Conference Expire Today

This is your last chance to get early bird tickets to the 2025 Just Economy Conference. Register by 11:59 pm ET to save, and once registered be sure to book your hotel. We hope to see you there! [Register Now]

Views

Predatory Lending Is Hurting Small Businesses. Here’s How You Can Fight Back.

By Lauren Wolters

In 2025, states will play a pivotal role in defending business and consumer protection policies as the federal government turns hostile to these kinds of policies. They will also have opportunities to go on offense as Washington’s attention veers. One such chance to add new tools is state-level Truth in Lending Act (TILA) policies. NCRC will lead small business financial protection efforts this year in several states, in collaboration with coalition partners. [Read more]

Events

Strategic Planning For HECM: Insights For Housing Counseling Workplan, Part Two

Live Webinar | Tuesday, February 4, 2 - 3:30 pm ET

Is your agency updating or revamping its Housing Counseling Work Plan? If you're considering adding a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) counseling program, join us to explore HUD requirements and evaluate whether this program aligns with your agency's goals. Gain insights to better serve senior residents and enhance your housing counseling offerings. [Register here]

Fast Track To Certification

Live Virtual Learning | February 17 - 21, 6 - 9 pm ET

Don’t tackle the HUD Housing Counseling Exam alone—join NCRC’s collaborative, virtual 15-hour training designed for housing counselors with 3+ years of experience. Engage in peer discussions, explore the six core exam topics and participate in interactive activities that cater to all learning styles. This course provides best practices for exam preparation, strategies to reinforce your knowledge and essential test-taking tips to help you succeed with confidence. [Register here]

Nuts & Bolts Of One On One Counseling

Live Webinar | Thursday, February 27, 2 - 3:30 pm ET

Gain insider knowledge on program requirements, compliance strategies, and best practices to strengthen your agency’s impact. Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of housing counseling! [Register here]

In The News

Wall Street Watchdogs Scrub DEI Pages After Trump Orders

by Evan Weinberger and Ben Miller, Bloomberg Law

Lawmakers also explicitly required financial regulatory agencies to establish the minority and women inclusion offices under Section 342 of the Dodd-Frank Act, with the goal of attracting talent, fostering inclusion, and developing standards to assess diversity policies and practices among regulated entities. It’s unclear whether all the covered agencies had disbanded those offices altogether, but their initial compliance with Trump’s directives sent a chilling signal, said Jesse Van Tol, the president and CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. [Read more]

On Our Radar

Trump Federal Aid Freeze: Atlanta Housing Authority Affected

By Thomas Wheatley, Housing Wire

Mayor Andre Dickens said President Trump's federal funding freeze that's been temporarily blocked by a judge caused an immediate and dangerous impact on Atlanta public housing, homeless services and other programs. "More than 18,000 residents who rely on housing vouchers currently do not know how their rent will be paid next month, and workers across various federally funded programs risk losing their pay," Dickens said in a statement prior to the judge's ruling. [Read more]

Treasury Union Urges Staffers To Ignore Trump Buyouts

By Kate Berry, American Banker

The National Treasury Employees Union urged employees not to respond to the Trump administration's mass email offering federal employees the opportunity to resign. The chief of staff at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said it is evaluating the impact of President Trump's directive on its employees. [Read more.]

Resources

Work And Meet At The Just Economy Club
It's a DC hub for nonprofits and the social sector, around the corner from the White House. Move your team into a private office or host your meetings and events or hang out in the lounge. [Read more]

Learning & Training Hub
Register for NCRC's catalog of professional development courses for community development leaders. [Learn more]

Research And Reports
We have an extensive library of research and reports that dates back many years! [View all]

Racial Wealth Snapshots
Browse our catalog of socioeconomic briefs. [View all]

Sign And Share The Just Economy Pledge
America should not only promise but deliver to all Americans opportunities to build wealth and live well. Sign and share the pledge to help us expand the movement for a Just Economy. [Sign and Share]

Member Hub
NCRC members: Don't forget you have access to our member hub! Learn more about membership here. You can join as an organization or an individual.

Fair Lending Tool
Use our interactive tool to produce a report on mortgages, small business lending and bank branch networks for any city, county or metro area in the nation. [Access the tool here]