The Federal Reserve Bank and Economic Development: Pathways to Partnerships

Success Story

Community and economic development are important concerns for the Federal Reserve System as it works to strengthen the nation's economy. Through the Community Affairs departments of each of the 12 member Banks, the Federal Reserve System develops, implements and supports a wide range of issues such as financial education, microenterprise development and leadership development, which are of shared interest with Cooperative Extension Professionals.

Session participants will receive an overview of the Community Affairs mission and structure within the Federal Reserve System. Community Affairs Officers from the Federal Reserve Banks of Cleveland, Dallas and Kansas City will then describe their District's areas of interests and approaches to partnerships and collaborations. Examples of successful partnerships will be highlighted with a focus on the roles, responsibilities and resources that the partners contributed to the project. A Cooperative Extension Professional will respond to the opportunities for potential areas of collaboration as a basis for a facilitated discussion with participants. Building Entrepreneurial Communities, a training program developed by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and the Oklahoma City Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas, will be highlighted.

Participants will receive written materials on the Federal Reserve System and its resources, as well as contact information for the Community Affairs offices in each state.