In April 2024, the Federal Reserve conducted the Community Perspectives Survey, which focuses on economic conditions in low- to moderate-income (LMI) communities and the health of organizations serving them. Overall, the survey found poor conditions for economic mobility in LMI communities. Access to housing and increasing cost of goods and services were among the top challenges. Respondents did note that continued availability of jobs was contributing positively to economic mobility.

During this Connecting Communities webinar, Federal Reserve Staff and leaders from national community development organizations discussed the findings and how their organizations continue to provide vital services to LMI communities and play a part in promoting economic resilience and mobility.

August 8, 2023. Conversations with the community make a difference. Community development practitioners and policymakers recognize the value of conducting research with communities as partners through community-engaged research. This approach invites stakeholders into the research process by centering their perspectives and elevating their expertise. These discussions help create better services, understand policy barriers, and learn what works best.

During this Connecting Communities discussion, hear examples of how community-engaged methods can highlight the experience of workers and jobseekers. Researchers shared what they learned from these conversations and how institutions, organizations, or communities can leverage the same principles.

The Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking is the main survey from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors for tracking the financial circumstances of low- and moderate-income families and potential risks to their financial health. This year’s survey continues to track key topics related to financial outcomes, such as the effects of inflation on household finances, emergency savings, housing, returns to education, and retirement. New topics have been added, such as food sufficiency, caregiving, employment of those with a previous arrest or conviction, and homeowners insurance.

In this Connecting Communities episode, researchers from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors shared findings from the survey on trends in financial well-being. Based on the survey results, they answered attendees' questions about the financial conditions among low- and moderate-income populations.