PUBLICATIONS
Growth in average U.S. farm real estate value slows
With a value of $2.38 trillion, farm real estate (land and structures) accounted for 81 percent of the total value of U.S. farm sector assets in 2014. Because it comprises such a significant portion of the U.S. farm sector’s asset base, change in the value of farm real estate is a critical barometer of the farm sector's financial performance. On average, U.S. (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) farm real estate values increased 2.4 percent (in nominal terms) to $3,020 per acre over the 12 months ending June 1, 2015. Growth in average values has slowed substantially relative to the previous three year mid-year to mid-year periods, when nominal farm real estate values increased over 8 percent annually. National averages mask wide regional variation. Based on nominal values, farm real estate in the Southern Plains and Pacific regions experienced the highest rates of appreciation of 6.1 percent and 5.8 percent (to $1,900 and $4,780 per acre), respectively, over the 12 months ending June 1, 2015. In contrast, farm real estate in the Corn Belt declined 0.3 percent (to $6,350 per acre). A chart can be found on the ERS topic page on Land Use, Land Value & Tenure, updated August 2015.
The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute has developed a map of impactful programs and Native American youth leaders creating positive change across Indian Country. The Network map includes local organizations, youth councils, youth-led volunteer projects and connects youth with each other to expand access to resources and services – two key goals of Gen-I and CNAY’s National Native Youth Network. “Every day youth leaders and stakeholders from Indian Country reach out seeking to connect with their peers on the community-level,” said Erin Bailey, Executive Director of the Center for Native American Youth. “This map is a tool to make our resources and connections available to all.” The Network map can be found here: http://cnay.org/Network_Map.html.
LEARNING
WEBINAR: Missouri-Illinois Step Up to Leadership Program Impact Evaluation - September 3, 2015 – 2:00 PM Eastern Time
Kimberly Keller, Wilson Majee & Johanna Reed Adams (University of Missouri), Anne Heinze Silvis (University of Illinois), Georgie Donahue (Missouri Association for community Action)
There is no registration and no fee for attending this webinar. http://ncrcrd.adobeconnect.com/ncrcrd
This presentation is based on an impact evaluation of a community leadership development program (Step Up to Leadership), targeted at low-income participants throughout the state of Missouri and parts of Illinois. The program curriculum aims to provide a) content learning about specific topics related to individual and group skills and community needs and resources, and b) a learning environment where participants can develop self-awareness and enhance their understanding about human nature and relationships. In addition to discussing the expected gains in knowledge, skills, and abilities, we will also discuss how community leadership development programs provide valuable secondary benefits on familial relations, the role of mini-grant support in assisting graduates in establishing community projects, and how best to close the skills-practice gap that most graduates experience upon completing the training.
Integrated Finance Webinar - Date: Thursday, September 17, 2015; 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT
Recipients of the CED/CED-HFFI grant often need various types of funding: equity, debt and grants, to invest in the necessary property, equipment and/or resources to expand impact in their community. This webinar brings together a panel of financial experts and grantees offering perspectives on an integrated finance approach to leverage grants. Register for the Webinar. More information is available on the HHS website.
Moderator: Matthew Lee, Homegrown Direct. Speakers:
- Bob Porter, Director Business Advising and Lending, Pacific Community Ventures
- Brahm Ahmadi, President, People’s Community Market
- Jela Ellefson, Grants & Economic Development Specialist, Eastern Market Corporation
VIDEO: What is the CRA?
The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is an important law that helps bring billions of dollars in bank capital to low- and moderate-income communities every year. Understanding how this law works is essential for banks looking to make impactful loans and investments, non-profits seeking funding, and communities wanting to ensure their financial institutions are operating in fair and responsive ways. Learn how the CRA works and what it means for communities across the country.
