Just News

for February 7, 2025

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

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News

NCRC Statement On Sec. Bessent’s Freeze Of CFPB

By NCRC

“Stopping the work of the CFPB means inviting scammers and swindlers into working families’ bank accounts,” said Jesse Van Tol, President and CEO of NCRC. “It means instability, uncertainty and exposure. Chaos only benefits bad actors. I urge Secretary Bessent to restore this key regulator and watchdog to active duty swiftly.” [Read more]

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

FEF – Housing Counseling Services
Live Webinar | February 12, 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm ET

HUD-approved housing counseling agencies: Join us for an informational webinar to learn more about the application process to receive grant support for your direct service to clients, while building your agency's knowledge on how to address heirs’ property challenges and ensure your homebuying clients retain their intergenerational wealth. [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]

Consumer Advocacy Week 2025

Live Virtual | March 10-14 , 8 am - 5 pm ET

Join a national coalition that aims to elevate the many rules issued by the CFPB and FTC that may become the object of attacks in the current political climate. For more information, visit here. [Register here]

In The News

New CFPB Director Bessent Orders Agency To Stop Working

by James Kleimann, HousingWire

The Trump administration’s move to stop the CFPB’s work “means inviting scammers and swindlers into working families’ bank accounts,” said Jesse Van Tol, President and CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. “It means instability, uncertainty and exposure. Chaos only benefits bad actors. I urge Secretary Bessent to restore this key regulator and watchdog to active duty swiftly.” [Read more]

On Our Radar

Where The Housing Market Shift Is Happening The Fastest Right Now

By Lance Lambert, Fast Company

When assessing home price momentum, it’s important to monitor active listings and months of supply. If active listings start to rapidly increase as homes remain on the market for longer periods, it may indicate potential future pricing weakness. Conversely, a rapid decline in active listings could suggest a market that is heating up. [Read more]

Senate Confirms Scott Turner For HUD Post

By Katy O'Donnell, Politico

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]