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The recently released Recission Package by the Trump Administration would claw back federal funds previously approved by Congress that promote private investment in low-income communities. The package freezes the release of over $15 billion in funding already appropriated in the FY2017 budget, including $22.8 million in funding for the U.S. Treasury's Bank Enterprise Award (BEA) Program and $151.3 million for the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF). “The elimination of the BEA Awards would curtail these initiatives, and have a detrimental effect on the economic stability of the regions they serve,” said Jeannine Jacokes, CEO of the Community Development Bankers Association.
Fifty years after the riots that followed the April 4, 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Washington Post tells the story of Industrial Bank, a black-owned bank in Washington, DC that was founded during the Great Depression and survived the riots. Doyle Mitchell Jr., President and CEO, and his sister, Patricia Mitchell, are interviewed about the bank's history, mission, and survival. Before the riots, the bank cultivated a large and dedicated customer base. In the 50 years of operation since the riots, the bank has continued to grow, benefiting from a resergence along the U Street corridor that was once devastated by the unrest. "The city's population is increasing by almost 1,000 people a month. There is new development and housing going up," Doyle Mitchell said. "For our bank, the future is very bright."
Last week, the CDFI Fund awarded 40 organizations $120 million in Capital Magnet Fund Awards for the development of affordable housing and related economic development activities in low-income communities. Five CDBA member banks received CMF Awards: BankPlus in Ridgeland, MS: $700,000; MS; Beneficial State Bank in Oakland, CA: $3 MM; Legacy Bank and Trust in Rogersville, MO: $2.4 MM; United Bank of Alabama in Atmore, AL: $4 MM; and Virginia Community Capital in Christiansburg, VA: $4MM. In total, 7 CDFI banks and 2 CDFI bank holding companies applied, with 55% receiving awards. Congratulations to the winners!