Summer 2009 
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
June 1, 2009
- Neighborhood Stabilization and Land Banking
by Frank S. Alexander, Emory University School of Law
Land banking helps communities that acquire foreclosed properties to retain them until market demand returns. Today the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 provides support for using land banking in neighborhood stabilization efforts. - Green Space and Affordable Housing
by Peter Harnik and Ben Welle, Center for City Park Excellence
When advocates for affordable housing and parks join forces, both are more likely to accomplish their goals. The authors describe successes that are inspiring replication nationwide. - The Financial Burden of Health Care
by Mark Rukavina, The Access Project
Because nearly 46 million Americans have no health insurance, medical debt has been behind many of today's foreclosures. The author offers potential solutions. - New England Immigrants and the Labor Market
by Antoniya Owens
New England's population has avoided an overall decline thanks to the growing numbers of immigrants. New England Public Policy Center research shows immigrants are also filling many of the region's labor needs. - The Use of Arbitration in the Credit Card Industry
by Olivier Andr?
The fine print in most credit card agreements states that any dispute with a credit card issuer must be resolved through arbitration. The author lays out potential advantages and disadvantages for the consumer. - New England's Small Cities: A Mostly Untapped Resource
by Andr? Leroux, Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance
With a different policy mind-set, small cities could boost the region's overall competitiveness and provide appealing alternatives for suburbanites tired of living behind the wheel of a car. - Massachusetts Proposition 2? Override Simulations
by Robert Clifford, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Proposed Massachusetts legislation would exempt low-income seniors from a higher property tax rate when towns vote to override the 1980 law limiting increases. The author conducts a simulation showing potential effects of the proposed exemption. - Mapping New England: Real Estate Owned Properties
by Kai-yan Lee, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Lenders often end up owning places they foreclose on. Understanding where such real estate owned (REO) properties cluster may help communities to target stabilization funds better. - Breaking Barriers and Building Communities
First Person with Rev. Don Steinle, Christian Activities Council, Hartford
Communities , Banking taps the wisdom of Rev. Steinle, the executive director of Hartford's Christian Activities Council, a faith-based, nonsectarian organization focused on affordable housing and empowering the poor. - Four Directions: Native American Lending in Maine
by John A. Moore, Bangor Savings Bank
Four Directions, a community development financial institution established by Maine's four Native American tribes, is overcoming many traditional barriers to lending on tribal land.
Articles may be reprinted if Communities , Banking and the author are credited and the following disclaimer is used: "The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston or the Federal Reserve System. Information about organizations and upcoming events is strictly informational and not an endorsement."
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