• administering the national bank public welfare investment authority (12 CFR 24) and the comparable authority for federal savings associations (12 CFR 560.36)
• providing community development training and technical assistance
• offering customized consultations to help banks identify community development finance opportunities and resources
• facilitating communication among lenders, community groups, and government officials through workshops and conferences
• publishing community development information on best practices and investment opportunities
• compiling Resource Directories on a range of community development topics

May/June 2013 Financial Literacy Update (PDF)
This bimonthly e-newsletter reports upcoming financial literacy events, initiatives, and related resources of the OCC and other government agencies and organizations.

FHA's 203(k) Mortgage Insurance Program: Helping Banks and Borrowers Revitalize Homes and Neighborhoods (PDF)
(May 2013)
This updated Insights report describes the Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance, an important financial tool that enables borrowers to purchase and rehabilitate properties.

Strategies for Leveraging the State Small Business Credit Initiative
(February 2013)
This issue explores how banks can use the SSBCI Program to help meet the needs of small business borrowers.

Small Business Investment Companies: An Investment Option for Banks (PDF) (September 2012)
Describes the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC), how banks can use SBICs to expand their small-business finance activities, and what risks and regulatory considerations are involved.

Community Affairs Year in Review 2011
The "Year in Review" highlights the Community Affairs Department's national and regional activities to support the OCC's mission.  It features events held nationally and in each of the OCC's four districts to promote banker education and community reinvestment.

Bank Financing of Healthy-Food Initiatives
(August 2012)
This issue explores how banks can help finance the growing effort to transform low-income communities lacking grocery stores into thriving markets.