2017 Workshops Descriptions[1] - cloudfront.net

   

2017  NCRC  Annual  Conference  Workshops    

All  content  subject  to  change     Workshop  Tracks:     Access  to  Credit,  Capital,  and  Banking  Services………………………………Page  2     Civil  Rights………………………………………………………………………………….....Page  4     Organizing………………………………………………………………………………………Page  5     Housing………………………………………………………………………………………….Page  7     Policy  Advocacy……………………………………………………………………………..Page  9     Workforce  and  Community  Development……………………………………..Page  10     Housing  Counseling  Trainings………………………………………………………..Page  12                                

   

Access  to  Credit,  Capital,  and  Banking   Services    

¦  Community  Reinvestment  Act  Basics      

Banks  are  critical  community  partners  and  can  be  a  catalyst  for  change  in   your  neighborhood,  particularly  when  public  resources  shrink.  This   workshop  explores  how  the  Community  Reinvestment  Act  (CRA)  can  be   used  to  increase  reinvestment  in  your  communities.  Find  out  how  banks  are   rated  on  CRA  exams  and  how  you  can  influence  that  rating.  Learn  how  to   perform  a  quick  data  analysis  on  a  bank’s  performance  and  how  to   comment  to  federal  regulators  on  bank  merger  proposals.  

¦  What  Determines  a  CRA  Rating  and  Why  it   Matters  for  Loans  and  Investments  in  Your   Community      

The  heart  of  the  Community  Reinvestment  Act  (CRA)  is  the  requirement   that  banks  meet  local  community  needs  for  credit  and  bank  services.  But   commenting  on  CRA  exams  and  influencing  ratings  is  not  easy  for   community  organizations.  This  workshop  explores  several  aspects  of  the   community’s  role  and  influence  in  CRA  exams.  How  can  community  groups’   comments  influence  a  bank  rating?  How  are  differences  in  bank   performance  reflected  in  the  various  ratings?  How  does  influencing  a  CRA   rating  impact  a  bank’s  future  volume  of  loans  and  investments  in   underserved  communities?  

¦  Fostering  a  Small  Business  Climate  and   Improving  Access  to  Capital    

What  strategies  can  a  small  business  employ  to  compete  with  larger   businesses?    How  can  a  small  business  be  a  strategic  partner  in  community   development  and  growth?    This  workshop  will  focus  on  programs  that   2    

support  the  success  of  small  business  such  as  government  contracting   goals,  chambers  of  commerce,  incubators,  community  development   financial  institutions  and  U.S.  Small  Business  Administration  lending.   Participants  will  also  discuss  how  small  businesses  can  work  more  closely   with  community  advocacy  organizations.    

¦  The  Community  Reinvestment  Act  and   CDFIs      

Community  Reinvestment  Act  (CRA)  advocates  and  Community   Development  Financial  Institutions  (CDFI)  executives  can  achieve  far  more   success  in  leveraging  investments  in  local  communities  if  a  common   strategy  around  CRA  advocacy  is  developed.  Part  of  the  difficulty  in  doing   so  lies  in  the  differing  nature  of  the  work  done  by  these  respective   practitioners.  Achieving  greater  impact  and  investment  requires  educating   CDFIs  about  community  advocacy  and  developing  a  common  set  of   strategies  that  results  in  community  organizing  funded  both  through  CRA   work  and  CDFI  success.  

¦  What’s  New  in  Age-­‐Friendly  Banking?      

Economic  security  has  become  an  issue  of  increased  importance  to  older   adults,  many  of  whom  are  financially  vulnerable.    Age-­‐Friendly  Banking   Campaigns  involve  older  adults  through  combine  advocacy  and   development  of  Age-­‐Friendly  Banking  products,  services,  and  protections   that  are  improving  the  financial  well-­‐being  of  older  adults.  Learn  about  how   AFB  Campaigns  are  leading  to  new  products,  services  and  protections  that   community-­‐based  organizations  and  financial  institutions,  non-­‐profits,  and   other  regulators  are  offering  to  enhance  the  economic  security  of  older   adults.    This  workshop  will  also  feature  innovations  in  Aging  in  Community,   and  the  role  of  community  development  organizations  and  financial   institutions.  

¦  The  Racial  and  Gender  Wealth  Divides      

Wealth  inequality  affects  many  Americans  of  all  racial,  ethnic,  and  gender   backgrounds.  The  history  and  influence  of  the  racial  wealth  divide  is   complex  and  emotional.  Similarly,  factors  such  as  the  gender  wage  gap   3    

create  serious  economic  challenges  for  women.  This  workshop  will  feature   a  broad-­‐ranging  conversation  that  will  empower  audience  members  to   discuss  and  address  these  wealth  divides.    

Civil  Rights   ¦  Criminal  Justice  Reform  is  an  Economic   Justice  Issue      

Ongoing  police  brutality  calls  for  national  advocacy  for  criminal  justice   reform.  It  is  important  for  communities  not  only  to  assess  discriminatory   policies  and  procedures  but  also  to  be  proactive  in  ensuring  that  these   policies  do  not  deny  individuals’  civil  and  economic  rights.  Excessive   penalties  drive  resources  out  of  communities,  limiting  access  to  economic   opportunity  such  as  homeownership.  Criminal  background  checks  are  still   used  to  deny  housing  to  returning  citizens.  This  workshop  will  provide   advocates  with  the  tools  and  strategies  to  holistically  address  criminal   justice  reform  to  the  economic  benefit  of  communities.    

¦  Detecting  and  Combating  Old  and  New   Forms  of  Redlining        

To  this  day,  some  banks  still  [intentionally]  avoid  lending  in   communities  of  color.  In  addition,  concerns  have  arisen  about  new   redlining  and  disparate  treatment  of  people  of  color,  women,  and   modest-­‐income  customers  from  new  technology-­‐based  lenders  who  use   algorithms  and  GPS  to  determine  loan  approval  and  interest  rates.  What   tools  and  data  do  we  use  to  detect,  deter,  and  prosecute  discriminators?   Panelists  will  share  their  strategies  and  approaches  for  spotting  and   stopping  redlining.  

¦  Subprime  Lending  and  Fair  Housing   Compliance  Updates      

This  workshop  is  an  update  from  regulators  on  subprime  and  discrimination   compliance.         4    

 

¦  Fair  Lending  Issues  in  Servicing      

This  workshop  will  focus  on  fair  lending  concerns  both  during  the   modification  loan  process  and  once  houses  have  gone  into  foreclosure.  It   will  look  at  the  differences  in  treatment  between  similarly  situated  white   people  and  people  of  color.    

¦  Appraisals  and  Their  Impact  on   Communities  of  Color      

This  workshop  will  explore  the  issue  of  residential  appraisals  in   communities  of  color  that  are  lower  than  the  contract  price  and  the  effect   this  has  on  these  communities.  

¦  Fair  Lending:  The  Year  in  Review  and  the   Year  Ahead      

In  this  workshop,  panelists  will  discuss  recent  settlements,  filings,  priorities   and  how  these  developments  in  the  fair  lending  field  will  impact  your   community.  In  2016,  we  saw  important  Supreme  Court  cases  that   addressed  questions  on  whether  cities  can  sue  banks  under  FHA  and   jurisdiction  for  suits  involving  Fannie  Mae.  This  year,  we  will  see  how  the   appointment  of  a  new  Supreme  Court  Judge  may  impact  future  fair  housing   cases.  These  issues  and  more  will  be  covered.  

Organizing   ¦  Two  Tools  for  Reinvestment:  Affirmatively   Furthering  Fair  Housing  and  the  Community   Reinvestment  Act        

Affirmatively  Furthering  Fair  Housing  (AFFH)  ensures  housing  choice  for  all   protected  classes.  This  workshop  will  present  recent  innovations  in  the  use   of  the  AFFH  rule  and  the  Assessment  of  Fair  Housing  (AFH),  including   pairing  AFFH  with  the  Community  Reinvestment  Act.  Learn  how  to  direct   5    

public  investment  and  private  investment  in  your  community  by  combining   your  organizing  efforts  under  the  AFH  process  and  CRA   challenges.  Participants  will  hear  from  jurisdictions  that  have  done  this   pioneering  work.  

¦  Social  Media  Strategies  for  Nonprofits        

Increasing  your  nonprofit’s  visibility  is  important  for  securing  additional   financial  support,  gaining  more  clout,  and  becoming  more  efficient  and   effective.  This  workshop  explores  the  different  social  media  strategies   nonprofits  can  use  to  promote  events,  conduct  community  outreach,  push   for  legislative  change,  and  raise  money.  

¦  Broadening  Community  Coalitions  for   Economic  Justice      

This  workshop  will  explore  the  dynamics  that  led  to  the  historic  2016   election  and  the  reactions  to  the  outcome.  Participants  will  discuss  how   NCRC  and  its  member  organizations  can  utilize  innovative  organizing  and   advocacy  strategies  to  build  power  and  influence  in  this  new  political   landscape.    

¦  The  Role  of  Cities  in  Advocating  for   Reinvestment      

Advocacy  at  the  city  and  state  level  can  create  change  at  the  national  level.   This  workshop  will  explore  the  role  of  local  agencies  and  elected  officials  in   making  the  case  for  reinvestment,  inclusive  development,  and  fair  and   affordable  housing.  Participants  will  explore  best  practices  for  how  cities   can  advocate  for  inclusive  reinvestment,  wealth  building,  and  overall   community  development.                      

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¦  Using  Community  Health  Benefit  

Agreements  and  the  Affordable  Care  Act  for   Community  Reinvestment      

This  workshop  is  an  introduction  for  community-­‐based  advocates,   community  development  organizations,  and  healthcare  professionals  on   how  to  use  community  health  benefit  agreements  that  can  leverage   resources  from  financial  institutions.  The  panel  will  discuss  the  potential   changes  to  the  Affordable  Care  Act  and  the  impact  on  community  health   benefits.  Participants  will  gain  an  overview  of  how  community-­‐based   organizations  can  use  this  healthcare  framework  to  connect  community   development  initiatives  with  efforts  addressing  social  determinants  and   health  outcomes.  The  workshop  will  also  explore  how  to  structure   partnerships  with  non-­‐profit  hospitals  to  reduce  health  disparities.  

Housing   ¦  Monetizing  Services  and  Diversifying  

Funding  for  Housing  Counseling  Agencies          

Housing  counseling  has  been  vital  for  low-­‐  and  moderate-­‐  income   communities,  but  as  the  political  climate  changes  so  does  access  to   available  funding  for  housing  counseling  agencies.  Today,  housing   counseling  agencies  must  work  harder  to  keep  their  doors  open.  This   workshop  presents  creative  ways  to  monetize  the  services  your   organization  is  currently  providing  and  guidance  to  ensure  compliance.  It   will  show  how  expanding  the  scope  of  services  and  establishing  partners   with  unlikely  funders  can  offer  opportunities  for  financial  stability  outside   of  federal  grants.      

¦  Programmatic  Trends  in  Housing   Counseling      

Recent  political,  regulatory,  and  environmental  events  are  affecting  the   outreach  requirements  of  housing  counseling  agencies,  the  responsibility  to   promote  fair  housing,  and  new  counseling  platforms  that  could  have  major   7    

implications  for  the  future  of  housing  counseling.  In  this  workshop,  learn   how  these  trends  and  more  impact  housing  counseling  today.    

¦  A  Path  Forward  for  Homeownership      

The  nation’s  homeownership  rate  is  at  a  50-­‐year  low,  and  lack  of  access  to   mortgage  credit  is  problematic  for  low-­‐  and  moderate-­‐income  and   minority  families,  and  rural  communities.  This  workshop  will  explore  the   current  state  of  homeownership  and  discuss  potential  new  homeownership   policies.  The  workshop  will  examine  the  roles  of  the  Government   Sponsored  Enterprises  and  the  Federal  Housing  Administration  in  crafting   policies,  as  well  as  discuss  the  new  Administration's  homeownership   priorities.  

¦  Partnering  with  Municipalities  for   Affordable  Housing  and  Workforce   Development    

Successful  community  organizing  and  development  requires  an   understanding  and  implementation  of  strategies  in  housing,  jobs,  and   health  to  lift  families  out  of  poverty.  Sustaining  your  organization  while   doing  this  work  requires  a  balance  of  planning  and  action.  Hear  about   innovative  strategies  practitioners  are  using  to  harness  opportunities  for   workforce  development  and  affordable  housing  through  community   benefits  agreements  between  cities  and  major  developers.    

¦  Community  Strategies  for  Non-­‐Performing   Loans  and  Reclaiming  Zombie  Properties      

Community  advocates  have  had  some  success  in  preventing  auctions  of   non-­‐performing  loans  from  being  dominated  by  investors  and  rental   conglomerates.  At  the  same  time,  cities  are  struggling  to  provide  affordable   housing  while  thousands  of  “zombie”  properties  remain  out  of  reach  for   low-­‐  and  moderate-­‐income  families.  This  session  will  present  strategies  for   working  with  cities,  states  and  municipalities  to  increase  affordable  housing   by  capturing  non-­‐performing  loans  and  reclaiming  dormant  properties.  

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Policy  Advocacy   ¦  The  Future  of  Community  Reinvestment  Act   Organizing      

What  does  a  new  Administration,  a  new  Comptroller  of  the  Currency,  and  a   new  mandate  mean  for  the  Community  Reinvestment  Act  (CRA)?  It  is  up  to   advocates  to  let  regulators  and  the  new  Administration  know  the  power  of   CRA  in  revitalizing  and  stabilizing  communities.  Community  development   corporations,  housing  counseling  agencies,  and  CDFIs  that  use  CRA  should   attend  this  workshop  to  learn  more  about  the  changing  landscape.   Attendees  will  learn  how  to  be  on  the  forefront  of  the  work  to  build   resources  for  low-­‐  and  moderate-­‐income  communities.      

¦  The  Payday  and  Small-­‐Dollar  Lending   Landscape        

Payday  loans  and  title  loans  come  with  high  interest  rates  but  little-­‐to-­‐no   consideration  of  a  borrowers’  ability  to  repay.  These  loans  frequently  trap   borrowers,  often  service  members,  low-­‐  and  moderate-­‐income  individuals,   or  people  of  color,  in  an  unrelenting  cycle  of  debt.  This  workshop  discusses   the  current  payday  loan  landscape,  campaigns  and  legislation  regarding   payday  loans,  and  the  effect  payday  loans  have  on  underbanked   populations.    

¦  Opportunities  and  Challenges  of  Fintech   and  Marketplace  Lending      

Online  marketplace  lenders  are  originating  and  marketing  loans  to   consumers  and  small  businesses  through  online  platforms  using  data-­‐driven   algorithms  that  offer  faster  credit.  Over  the  last  year,  federal  regulators  as   well  as  consumer  advocates  have  questioned  whether  these  new  financial   technology  (fintech)  companies  are  benefiting  from  uneven  regulation,   whether  the  proprietary  algorithms  they  use  to  underwrite  loans  raise  fair   lending  concerns,  and  whether  these  lenders  are  transparent  enough.  With   9    

the  Office  of  the  Comptroller  of  the  Currency  considering  a  national  bank   charter  for  fintech  companies,  and  other  regulators  also  considering  ways   to  regulate  these  platforms,  this  workshop  will  review  policies  around   fintech  and  both  the  opportunities  and  the  consumer  protection  challenges   it  poses.  

¦  Defending  the  Consumer  Financial  

Protection  Bureau  and  its  Regulations    

The  CFPB  was  authorized  by  the  Dodd-­‐Frank  Wall  Street  Reform  and   Consumer  Protection  Act  in  2010  as  a  response  to  the  financial  crisis,   with  the  central  mission  to  make  markets  for  consumer  financial   products  and  services  work  for  Americans.  Some  members  of  Congress   have  sought  repeatedly  since  then  to  decentralize  and  weaken  the   agency.  Will  previous  proposals  resurface  in  the  new  Congress?  What   are  the  potential  impacts  on  issues  like  payday  lending,  the  Home   Mortgage  Disclosure  Act,  and  redlining  enforcement?    

Workforce  and  Community  Development   ¦  Worker  Cooperative  Models      

Worker  cooperatives  provide  a  business  development  opportunity  for   emerging  and  disadvantaged  entrepreneurs.  Learn  about  cooperative   models  that  have  offered  economic  and  social  advancement  for  returning   citizens  (ex-­‐offenders),  low-­‐income  entrepreneurs,  and  immigrants.  This   workshop  will  also  discuss  the  issues  and  challenges  of  technical  assistance   and  capital  access.    

¦  Capital  Capacity-­‐Building  Tools  for  Business   Development  Centers      

“Introduction  to  Microloan  Packaging”  and  “Primed  for  Growth”  are  two   free  training  programs  currently  available  to  all  Women's  Business  Centers   (WBCs)  and  NCRC  members.  They  were  created  as  part  of  the  WE  Lend   Initiative  to  expand  the  ability  of  WBCs  to  help  women  entrepreneurs.   10    

“Introduction  to  Microloan  Packaging”  is  a  five-­‐module  online  course  that   provides  a  basic  overview  of  the  microloan  packaging  process  for  staff  of   business  development  organizations  who  do  not  have  a  microloan   packaging  background.  “Primed  for  Growth”  is  a  curriculum  that  teaches   women  entrepreneurs  about  basic  business  and  financial  management  in   an  easy-­‐to-­‐understand  format.    

¦  Community  Development  Financial   Institutions  101    

What  does  it  take  to  become  a  community  development  financial   institution  (CDFI)?,  What  does  it  take  to  raise  funds  for  them?  Would  your   community  be  well  served  by  having  a  CDFI?  In  this  workshop,  top  speakers   and  practitioners  will  describe  the  considerations  that  go  into  creating  a   CDFI,  with  a  practical  approach  to  starting  one  or  growing  a  CDFI  into  a   larger  one  that  will  have  maximal  impact  for  your  community.    

¦  Strategies  for  Rural  Development      

The  U.S.  Department  of  Agriculture  recently  launched  a  new  $500  million   dollar  investment  fund,  the  Uplift  America  Fund,  for  rural  communities  with   persistent  poverty,  notably  the  Mississippi  Delta,  Central  Appalachia,   Colonias  along  the  U.S.  border,  and  American  Indian  Country.  This  fund  will   be  operated  through  Community  Development  Financial  Institutions  and   will  attract  private  investments.  This  workshop  will  explore  the  future  of   the  Uplift  America  Fund  and  identify  and  explain  other  promising  rural   development  strategies.  

¦  Strengthening  Community-­‐Based  Responses   to  Natural  Disasters      

Low-­‐income  communities  and  communities  of  color,  children,  older  adults,   people  with  disabilities,  and  non-­‐English  speakers  are  disproportionately   impacted  by  natural  disasters.  This  workshop  will  focus  on  pre-­‐  and  post-­‐ natural  disaster  planning.  Participants  will  discuss  organizing  and  resource   strategies  for  rebuilding  community  wealth  and  resources  in  the  wake  of  a   disaster.  Learn  how  community  leaders  and  grassroots  organizations  have   mobilized  for  disaster  recovery  and  environmental  remediation,  and   11    

accessed  new  sources  of  funding  leading  to  improved  community   outcomes.    

¦  New  Sources  of  Financing  for  Healthy   Community  Initiatives      

Financial  institutions,  community  development  financial  institutions,  and   healthcare  institutions  are  combining  financial  resources  and  technical   support  for  community  development  efforts  to  improve  environmental   health  in  low-­‐income  communities.  These  partnerships  represent  major   new  financing  sources  for  community  advocacy  and  development  efforts.   Learn  about  potential  financial  resources  and  how  to  access  them  to   sustain  healthy  community  initiatives.      

Housing  Counseling  Trainings   ¦  Preparing  Housing  Counselors  for  the  HUD   Certification  Exam,  Newly  Revised    

This  five-­‐day  training  is  designed  to  provide  housing  counseling   practitioners  with  tools  and  strategies  in  preparation  for  sitting  for  the  U.S.   Department  of  Housing  and  Urban  Development  (HUD)  certification  exam.   The  Dodd-­‐Frank  Wall  Street  Reform  and  Consumer  Protection  Act  requires   counselors  at  HUD-­‐approved  housing  counseling  organizations  to  be   certified  by  HUD  as  competent  to  provide  comprehensive  counseling   services.  As  a  result,  HUD  will  administer  a  standardized  examination   testing  counselors’  competencies  in  six  core  topics  of  housing  counseling.       This  training  has  been  revised  to  reflect  the  recent  modifications  published   in  July  of  2016  regarding  updated  mortgage  regulations  and  lender   disclosure  requirements,  including  information  about  the  Ability  to  Repay/   Qualified  Mortgage  rule  and  the  TILA-­‐RESPA  Integrated  Disclosure  (TRID)   rule.  

¦  Financial  Fitness    

This  is  a  five-­‐day  training  designed  to  help  housing  counselors  better  assist   their  clients  with  managing  their  financial  resources,  tracking  their  daily   12    

spending  habits,  and  identifying  tools  that  will  help  them  become  better   money  managers.       Additionally,  this  training  will  review  the  basics  of  understanding  money,   banking,  and  financial  institutions,  as  well  as  the  importance  of  keeping   your  financial  house  in  order  and  understanding  your  credit  report.  The   training  will  also  explore  the  key  elements  of  evaluating  a  financial   education  program  in  relation  to  financial  educators.      

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