Fed Communities - Federal Reserve Community Development Insights, Data, and Stories Subscribe Topics Employment Benefits Cliff Child Care Investing in America’s Workforce Worker Perspectives Economic Development Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Digital Access Rural Development Housing Small Business Entrepreneurship Small Business Credit Survey Stories Benefits Cliff Stories CRA: Building Stronger Communities Rural America: A Treasure of Assets Partner stories Investment Connection: Getting to ‘We Have a Deal’ Small Lenders, Small Businesses, and the Paycheck Protection Program Opportunity Occupations: Joining the Workforce Data Banking Deserts Dashboard CDFI Survey Community Perspectives Survey Community Development Data & Tools Explorer Perspectives from Main Street Worker Perspectives Events Calendar Connecting Communities® Webinars On-demand 2026 Research Seminar Series Uneven Outcomes Conference Experts About Us Our Leadership Latest News and Views Subscribe Contact Us Search Worker Perspectives: When every dollar counts: Inside the economic struggles of workers who earn low to moderate incomes For many lower and moderate income workers and job seekers, survival is replacing economic mobility. This research explores how individuals navigate tight budgets and a challenging job market. Despite these obstacles, many spoke of their perseverance in the face of challenges and remained confident in their ability to navigate uncertainty. Upcoming Events Aug 5 11:30 am – 1:30 pm CDT Collaborative Pathways for Community Development Research: A Networking Event with the St. Louis Fed in Memphis Aug 6 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT Connecting Communities: Understanding Benefits Cliffs: Evidence, Insights, and Open Questions Aug 12 11:30 am – 2:00 pm CDT Investment Connection – Kansas and Western Missouri 2026 Aug 12 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm EDT Place-Based Strategies: Strengthening Local Economies Through Labor Market Policies View Calendar Latest news and views Get insights from the Fed’s community development teams and their collaborators. Community perspectives and conditions from the Fed’s Beige Book, July 2026 July 15, 2026 Communities nationwide are dealing with higher costs, limited affordable housing, workforce shifts, and less funding for training. Some workers now value stability more than advancement, while employers focus on hiring candidates with strong soft skills and offer job training. The Quarterly Catch-up, Q2 2026 July 7, 2026 Check out the latest community development-related research, analyses, and articles from all 12 Federal Reserve Banks and the Board of Governors. This post captures content published between April 1 and June 2026, on topics affecting communities. “This is a way for Nebraska to be heard”: Coalition drives responses for—and representation in—the Fed’s Small Business Credit Survey July 7, 2026 Two agencies supporting small business growth in Nebraska have teamed up to drive survey responses for the Federal Reserve’s annual Small Business Credit Survey. Their coalition efforts have yielded valuable insights into what small business owners in the state need—and helped bring their voices into policy discussions. Beyond broadband: The link between digital access and financial well-being June 30, 2026 As financial services increasingly move online, internet access and digital skills are becoming essential for financial well-being. Learn more about the link between digital access and financial access through tools and community advocates who are working to build digital skills and connect people to safe financial services. Explore data and research From survey findings to dashboards, the Fed’s data can inform collaborative efforts between policymakers, employers, and educators. 2026 Worker Perspectives Report: When every dollar counts: Inside the economic struggles of workers who earn low to moderate incomes June 24, 2026 The Worker Perspectives Report explores how workers are navigating rising costs, limited opportunities, and a challenging job market. To navigate these obstacles they are adapting finances and career plans, while also speaking hopefully about their personal ability to manage uncertainty. In their employment, they prioritize flexibility, work-life balance, and fair pay. Here’s what workers are… Read more →: 2026 Worker Perspectives Report: When every dollar counts: Inside the economic struggles of workers who earn low to moderate incomes How the Fed studies and understands housing’s key role in the economy March 24, 2026 The cost and availability of housing affect family budgets, labor force mobility, business growth, and the health of the economy. Learn how the Fed studies and engages with communities around vital housing trends, challenges, and innovations. Read more →: How the Fed studies and understands housing’s key role in the economy Small business strategies for supporting employee child care needs February 3, 2026 Small businesses employ nearly half of private-sector workers but often have limited resources to offer benefits like child care. This article examines the prevalence of employer-supported child care and the practical strategies small businesses employ to support working parents. Read more →: Small business strategies for supporting employee child care needs 2025 Community Perspectives Survey: Insights from the field—Health of entities serving low- and moderate-income communities August 14, 2025 The second report from the 2025 Community Perspectives Survey highlights how LMI-serving organizations are managing demand, funding, and staffing. While many can meet community needs, challenges like resource strain and adapting to uncertainity are impacting their overall organizational health. Read more →: 2025 Community Perspectives Survey: Insights from the field—Health of entities serving low- and moderate-income communities Subscribe Stay connected with our monthly newsletter. Subscribe Contact us Have a question or just want to say hi? Contact us Fed Communities is a collaboration among the 12 Reserve Banks of the Federal Reserve System. Site Policies Privacy Policy Terms of Use Site Accessibility © 2024 Fed Communities. All rights reserved.