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Journal Article
Spotlight on Research: Factors That Sustain Metropolitan Growth
The factors that underlie economic growth in metropolitan regions have been the subject of an increasing number of research efforts. Earlier research focused on the pace of growth. More recent investigations have been concerned with the resilience or capacity of regions to sustain growth paths, even in the face of external shocks. Chris Benner and Manuel Pastor add to the latter body of research by examining the growth spells among the 184 largest regions in the U.S. from 1990 to 2011.1 The authors are particularly interested in the role played by social equity. The following is a summary of ...
Discussion Paper
Alternative financial service providers and the spatial void hypothesis
This paper examines the use of alternative financial service providers (AFSPs) such as check-cashing outlets and pawnshops in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, and Allegheny counties. Also explores whether these providers are disproportionately serving minority and low-income areas.
Journal Article
Spotlight on Research: Making a Difference in the Lives of Young Men of Color
The plight of young men of color, whether it is in education, the labor market, or involvement in the criminal justice system, has been and remains a challenge. The difficulties in the various areas of these young men?s lives have been well documented over time. The problems of young men of color have also engendered numerous responses. Policy initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels as well as endeavors by foundations have been undertaken to address these dilemmas.
Journal Article
The Housing Market and Its Influences
The housing market influences our economic and social well-being. It serves as a prime mover of overall economic activity, the foundation for wealth creation, and the basis for the landscape of our neighborhoods as well as the dynamic relationship between cities (particularly older ones) and suburbs. The recent downturn in the housing market generated changes in its aforementioned influences. It also fostered changes in the regulatory environment in the mortgage market. These topics were discussed at the 2014 Reinventing Older Communities conference.
Journal Article
Spotlight on Research: The Influence of Financial Literacy on High-Cost Borrowing
Two topics have gained widespread attention in recent years. One is the rapid growth of high-cost borrowing offered by the alternative financial services (AFS) industry, such as payday loans, pawn shops, auto title loans, refund anticipation loans, and rent-to-own stores. The other topic is the efficacy of financial literacy on improving the overall financial well-being of individuals. A study by Annamaria Lusardi and Carlo de Bassa Scheresberg explores the characteristics of those who use high-cost borrowing and the influence of financial literacy on their borrowing behavior.1 The following ...
Journal Article
Spotlight on Research: Lessons Learned from Pay for Success Programs
Various social problems, such as homelessness and prison recidivism, impose substantial costs on taxpayers. The mounting costs that result from these troubling social concerns at the local, state, and federal levels force officials to seek alternative ways to raise funds to deal with these issues. One such effort is to use a relatively new source of funding called ?pay for success (PFS),? also known as ?social impact bonds,? or ?SIBs.? Currently, there are more than 40 PFS initiatives underway worldwide. A report by Emily Gustafsson-Wright, Sophie Gardiner, and Vidya Putcha discusses what PFS ...
Journal Article
Spotlight on Research: Early Labor Experiences of Young Men: Underlying Factors and Later Consequences
Unemployment has deleterious effects on the overall health of the economy. Also, unemployment is debilitating to those experiencing it. For young entrants into the labor force, their early employment/unemployment experiences may be especially critical to their later labor market success. Thus, the initial transition-to-work period may foretell future employment status and wages/income. This is a particularly crucial juncture for young minority males who generally experience high rates of unemployment. Conventional wisdom suggests that higher educational attainment plays a prominent role in ...
Journal Article
Spotlight on Research: Down Payment Assistance Plays Critical Role in Affordable Homeownership
In the aftermath of the recent Great Recession, there has been a tightening in mortgage lending practices. This cautious atmosphere has been prompted in large part by the rash of foreclosures in the housing market that accompanied the financial crisis. One potential safeguard is the existence of a down payment requirement that must be met by prospective homebuyers as a condition of securing a mortgage. The rationale is that when individuals invest their own money in the form of a down payment, the potential homebuyers will be more motivated to maintain their mortgage obligations. For those ...
Journal Article
Spotlight on Research: Cities for Financial Empowerment Effort
During periods of economic hardship, virtually all segments of the population are adversely affected. While many individuals eventually make strides in recovering financially, some are not as fortunate. The less fortunate are not only unable to effectively improve their financial well-being but they also have difficulty contributing to the revitalization of their communities. In order to assist those in this sector, it is imperative to understand the factors that contribute to the difficulties they encounter in improving their plight, to pinpoint strategies to aid in their endeavor, and to ...
Journal Article
Spotlight on Research: Youth Debt and College Graduation
The rise in debt among youth to finance their higher education has engendered a great deal of discussion. Much of the attention has been focused on the angst that arises when the debt has to be repaid. This has been especially burdensome on students from lower-income households. While this is worthy of concern, another aspect of the educational-related debt that is being examined is whether the debt was worth it. More specifically, what is the association of the debt with the borrower?s graduation from college? Some investigations not only consider the relationship between educational loans ...