Journal Article
Opportunity Zones: Understanding the Background and Potential Impact in Northeastern Illinois
O'Dell, Mark; Schuh, Elizabeth; Keller, Jason; Kenney, Erin (2019)
This article offers a primer on: Opportunity Zones, highlighting the designation process for census tracts in northeastern Illinois; Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOF) ? the vehicle that will facilitate investment in designated areas; and finally, how QOFs will help facilitate the goals of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning?s ON TO 2050 Plan.
Profitwise , Issue 1 , Pages 1-16

Journal Article
A few examples of Chicago tackling youth joblessness
O'Dell, Mark; Keller, Jason; Engel, Emily (2018)
Many young people nationwide are undereducated, jobless, and living in poverty with no job prospects; in urban areas particularly, they face a continuing cycle of unemployment, in addition to substandard and often dangerous neighborhood conditions. Using greater Chicagoland (including the city and Cook County) as a case study, this article will highlight how capital and resources from the private sector, namely loans, investments, and services from regulated financial institutions (e.g., banks) could foster greater economic and community development, especially for underserved and at-risk ...
Profitwise , Issue 5 , Pages 1-10

Journal Article
2015 NHS Community Banks Partnership Meeting Summary
Pearson, Kelly; Keller, Jason (2015)
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) held its annual Community Banks Partnership Meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The meeting brought together over 70 representatives from Chicagoland community banks, regulators, housing experts, and industry partners to discuss meeting the residential lending needs of area communities. NHS is Chicago?s largest nonprofit neighborhood revitalization organization and works in partnership with businesses, government, and neighborhood residents to revitalize low- and moderate-income neighborhoods throughout ...
Profitwise , Issue 3 , Pages 15-18

Journal Article
Advancing Regional Prosperity through Economic Inclusion: A Brief Conversation with Chicago Planning Agencies
Newberger, Robin G.; Keller, Jason (2017)
For years, arguments on behalf of economic inclusion were built on the principles of equity and justice ? the idea that everyone, including those with less income or fewer assets, should have access to resources and opportunities. But more recently, a growing number of entities, including metropolitan planning organizations, have broadened the motivation for inclusiveness to argue for the benefits that it bestows on all residents of a region, not just to those in economically marginalized neighborhoods. Two recent publications, "Inclusive Growth, "by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for ...
Profitwise , Issue 3 , Pages 29-31

Journal Article
Residential Mortgage Lending for Underserved Communities: Recent Innovations
George, Taz; Keller, Jason; Engel, Emily (2016)
As the United States continues to recover from its worst financial crisis since the 1930s, housing finance leaders from both the public and private sectors have diligently worked to develop programs, products, and services to safely expand access to affordable homeownership. Despite persistently low interest rates, relatively modest growth in home prices, and a strengthening labor market, purchase mortgage volume remains low compared to the pre-crisis and pre-bubble years, and the homeownership rate continues to fall. Factors contributing to the homeownership decline include the still ...
Profitwise , Issue 1 , Pages 11-19

Journal Article
Analyzing world business Chicago’s plan for economic growth and jobs: a Chicago banker roundtable perspective
Keller, Jason (2012-12)
A roundtable, co-sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), was held on July 9, 2012, to analyze and discuss World Business Chicago?s Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs1 (the Plan). The roundtable brought together nearly 50 local2 bankers, regulators, and economic development practitioners to discuss the Plan?s strengths, as well as barriers to success. This article summarizes the content shared by the participants and provides recommendations from the regulatory agencies on what ...
Profitwise , Issue Dec , Pages 2-4

Journal Article
Workforce 2020: Is It Time for Disruptive Innovation?
Walzer, Norman; Keller, Jason; Robinson, Diana (2015)
Whether framed as a gap, a shortage or a mismatch, skill problems drive discussions around workforce and education policy today. Employers say they are not getting qualified candidates from educational institutions; unions and workforce advocates say that if employers looked harder and offered increased wages and improved benefits, qualified workers could be found. At the same time, community colleges and vocational training centers say that rapid changes in technology make it cost-prohibitive to buy the latest machines and training tools. Aspiring workers say they are unaware of the ...
Profitwise , Issue 4 , Pages 24-32

Journal Article
Strategies for Maximizing the Potential of Great Lakes Ports for Regional Growth
Strauss, William A.; Knight, David L.; Keller, Jason (2014-07)
Great Lakes maritime ports are catalysts for local and regional economic growth and ?laboratories? for research and innovation to sustain the ecological health of the lakes. Typically located at the mouths of tributaries, their locations have historically been strategically important as key links in transportation networks. In recent years, the growing awareness of the importance and fragility of river-mouth ecosystems has required more careful and intentional planning around port development and related policy to minimize environmental impact.
Profitwise , Issue Summer , Pages 18-23