OCC Publishes Revised Community Development Reference Booklet

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today announced the publication of a revised edition of Community Development Finance: Tools and Techniques for National Banks, a reference work on community development first published by the agency in 1989.

"We've updated Tools and Techniques with examples of the basic strategies national banks use to cultivate community development lending and investment opportunities," said Comptroller Eugene A. Ludwig.

National banks of all sizes throughout the country are supporting a variety of community based partnerships that provide special financing for low- and moderate-income housing, small and minority business development, neighborhood and commercial revitalization, and industrial development. The new Tools and Techniques includes new information on safe and sound approaches to meeting community development credit and investment needs in today's evolving financial services marketplace and a listing of community development resources.

"Since 1993, national banks and their community development partners have made targeted investments of over $4 billion in community development investments alone," Ludwig added, "And we hope the publication of this updated reference will continue to stimulate creative and profitable community development lending to complement banks' investments."

Copies of Community Development Finance: Tools and Techniques for National Banks, were mailed to all national banks in late December. Additional copies may be ordered for $15.00 each from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Post Office Box 70004, Chicago, IL 60673-0004.