This issue features several articles of interest to bankers. Lisa Shepard's Community Reinvestment Act overview is a reminder that banks' community development efforts don't always have to be
about buildings. Our cover story notes the critical support of financial institutions in the revitalization of Claremont, New Hampshire.
Fed economist Joe Peek offers new research on the profitability of small business lending for smaller banking organizations. Then Randolph Savings Bank's Richard Olson weighs the pros and cons of online lending platforms. And Elisa Tavilla writes about using mobile technology to reach unbanked and underbanked consumers.

Meanwhile, Bruce Seifer shares his deep experience helping to create a sustainable economy in Burlington, Vermont. Also from Vermont, we have Tiffany Bluemle and Linda Tarr-Whelan writing about the economic value of helping women get ahead and Brenda Torpy recounting why a new homeless initiative garnered warm community support.

Catherine MacKinnon, Mutual Housing Association of Greater Hartford, details unexpected ripple effects from leadership classes taken by affordable-housing residents. Matt Blumenfeld explains the Holyoke, Massachusetts, library renovation's unusual financing package. Susan Bartlett writes about how the New Hampshire Humanities Council helps English-language learners gain insight into a new country and culture. And Ana Patricia Muñoz's map shows the ratio of wage earners to children and elderly in New England counties.

Please visit our blog, www.thecentralpremise.org, for useful information of all kinds.

Best,
Caroline Ellis
Managing Editor
caroline.ellis@bos.frb.org