The enduring challenge of concentrated poverty in America: case studies from communities across the U.S

In 2006, the Community Affairs Offices of the Federal Reserve System partnered with the Brookings Institution to examine the issue of concentrated poverty. The resulting report contributes to an understanding of the dynamics of poor people living in poor communities, and the policies that will be needed to bring both into the economic mainstream. ; Each of the 12 Reserve Banks examined a high poverty area in its District; The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco contributed to this report with a case study on West Fresno, one of the neighborhoods that contributed to Fresno's 2005 ranking as the city with the highest rate of concentrated poverty in the nation. The case study uses US Census data and interviews with community stakeholders to explore the factors contributing to the high level of poverty in the neighborhood and the difficulties it poses for the families who live there. It also points to the momentum that has been generated in Fresno to address community and economic development issues. ; The report's findings will contribute to the Federal Reserve's understanding of low-income communities and their needs in carrying out ongoing community development partnerships, and will inform other efforts to foster comprehensive solutions to community and economic development challenges. These include lowering the barriers to developing quality affordable housing and community facilities such as schools and health care centers, helping to support small businesses, building the capacity of community-serving organizations, and improving access to tools that build financial stability.