The Federation's advocacy has three main goals:
1. Help CDCUs gain access to resources;
2. Remove regulatory barriers that prevent CDCUs from providing the best possible service to low-income communities; and
3. Assure that the nation's financial system protects and meets the needs of low-income communities and consumers.
Our work is primarily national, but we have also developed state-specific model programs:
Here are some examples:
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The Federation played a key role in the establishment of the Treasury Department's CDFI Fund, NCUA's Community Development Revolving Loan Fund, and the establishment of a New York State CDFI Fund.
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In 1996, we won the power to raise secondary capital.
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In 1998, we won Congressional recognition of secondary capital as a part of net worth for low-income credit unions, along with an exemption from the portfolio cap on member business lending.
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In 2000, the Federation opened the door for CDCUs to become guaranteed lenders for the Small Business Administration (SBA).
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In 2002, the Federation began a partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help provide financial services in the borderland colonias, fight predatory lending, expand minority home ownership, and work to expand the credit available to low- and moderate-income communities.
Our Key Advocacy Issues
You can learn more about the key issues and concerns of CDCUs by clicking below.
