Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
New Affordable Apartments in Austin, Texas, Helped by $2M Grant from FHLB Dallas and Bank OZK
DALLAS, Texas, April 20 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release:
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New Affordable Apartments in Austin, Texas, Helped by $2M Grant from FHLB Dallas and Bank OZK
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AUSTIN, TEXAS, April 20, 2026-Austin, Texas, residents have new affordable housing options, thanks in part to a $2 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through member, Bank OZK. The banks joined Austin Housing Finance Corp. in celebrating the grand opening of The Roz, a 100-unit community of affordable apartments
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DALLAS, Texas, April 20 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release:
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New Affordable Apartments in Austin, Texas, Helped by $2M Grant from FHLB Dallas and Bank OZK
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AUSTIN, TEXAS, April 20, 2026-Austin, Texas, residents have new affordable housing options, thanks in part to a $2 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through member, Bank OZK. The banks joined Austin Housing Finance Corp. in celebrating the grand opening of The Roz, a 100-unit community of affordable apartmentsin South Austin.
The $24.3 million complex, developed by Austin Housing Finance Corp. and SGI Ventures, serves residents earning 30 to 60 percent of the area median income. The four-story apartment complex includes on-site case management and helps address the demand for affordable, service-enriched housing for individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
"The Roz will serve as a place of stability and well-being for our most vulnerable neighbors," said Austin Housing Finance Corp. Treasurer Deletta Dean. "By combining housing with support services, this community meets people where they are and supports them for long-term success."
The grant was part of $78.9 million FHLB Dallas awarded in 2024. All AHP grants are awarded through member financial institutions like Bank OZK.
"The Roz shows how thoughtful investment in affordable housing can create lasting stability for individuals exiting homelessness," said Executive Vice President Patrick Russell, Bank OZK's affordable housing relationship manager. "We value our collaboration with Austin Housing Finance Corp. and FHLB Dallas in supporting this development."
AHP grants are awarded annually through FHLB Dallas member institutions to support the development and rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income households. The 2026 application period closes April 30. Applications must be made through an FHLB Dallas member.
"The AHP grant provided meaningful support that helped move The Roz forward at a critical stage," said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "Through our relationship with Bank OZK, we are helping advance housing solutions that strengthen Texas communities."
Bank OZK
Bank OZK (Nasdaq: OZK) is a regional bank providing innovative financial solutions delivered by expert bankers with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Established in 1903, Bank OZK conducts banking operations in 268 offices in nine states including Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, New York, California and Mississippi and had $40.8 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2025. For more information, visit ozk.com.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $108.5 billion as of December 31, 2025, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.
Contact Information:
Corporate Communications
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
fhlb.com
214.441.8445
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Original text here: https://www.fhlb.com/library/press-releases/2026/new-affordable-apartments-in-austin-texas-helped-b
GSA, OPM to Move Under One Roof, Fortify the Federal Footprint
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA, OPM to Move Under One Roof, Fortify the Federal Footprint
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GSA Announces Transformational Headquarters Renovation and Groundbreaking Collaboration with OPM
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a major initiative to renovate its headquarters at 1800 F Street NW and establish a groundbreaking partnership with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), advancing a government-wide effort to reduce underutilized space and fortify the federal real estate footprint.
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WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA, OPM to Move Under One Roof, Fortify the Federal Footprint
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GSA Announces Transformational Headquarters Renovation and Groundbreaking Collaboration with OPM
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a major initiative to renovate its headquarters at 1800 F Street NW and establish a groundbreaking partnership with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), advancing a government-wide effort to reduce underutilized space and fortify the federal real estate footprint.
Beginning in July, GSA will temporarily move its headquarter operations to the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building (TRB), where it will co-locate with OPM. This move marks the first phase of a broader transformation that will culminate in a fully reanimated, shared property with OPM at 1800 F Street. Upon completion of the 4th quarter project in 2028, GSA will move forward with the accelerated disposition of the TRB, reducing costs and eliminating vacant property.
"GSA and OPM are taking unprecedented action by coming together to fortify America's real estate portfolio and tackle the delinquent maintenance and vacancies that have plagued it for decades," said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. "The GSA team has built a roadmap for federal agencies to operate under one roof and deliver what the American people expect-results that respect their tax dollars."
Approximately 40 percent of GSA's headquarters has been deemed uninhabitable due to longstanding delinquent maintenance, underscoring the urgency of the project. The agency responsible for managing the federal government's real estate portfolio has faced significant fiscal and legislative constraints in maintaining its own facilities due to the lack of access to the Federal Buildings Fund-an issue this initiative directly addresses.
"This move reflects our commitment to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars while ensuring OPM employees have modern, efficient space to support their mission," said OPM Director Scott Kupor. "By consolidating under-utilized office space and partnering with GSA on long-term facility improvements, we are reducing unnecessary costs and focusing resources where they matter most, delivering results for the American people."
While GSA partners with lawmakers to secure formal approval of its prospectus plans, it will use other available funding to start the initial designs in the months ahead.
"For years, I've been working to literally downsize government by selling off Washington's unneeded, unused, and deteriorating real estate, and today we are taking action," said Senator Joni Ernst. "By consolidating two agencies under one roof, GSA and OPM are putting more office space to work. As the Trump Administration puts taxpayers first, I'll continue to make sure every square foot and tax dollar are being used wisely."
Through this partnership:
* GSA will temporarily relocate into the TRB during the renovation of 1800 F Street
* OPM will subsequently join GSA in the redesigned 1800 F shared headquarters
* The combined facility will house both agencies under one roof, maximizing utilization and taxpayer resources
* Upon project completion GSA will begin the accelerated disposition of the TRB, fortifying the federal footprint
The reoccupied headquarters at 1800 F is scheduled to open in December 2028 and will serve as a model for interagency collaboration and responsible real estate management.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of approximately 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $126 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services to millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver exceptional customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-opm-to-move-under-one-roof-fortify-the-federal-footprint-04202026
Environmental Protection Agency: Three Things to Know About WRAP 2.0
WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Three Things to Know About WRAP 2.0
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WASHINGTON - On Thursday, April 16, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin launched the Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) 2.0, to harness the power of water reuse for American industry, the artificial intelligence (AI) future, and American energy dominance while strengthening public health protections and safeguarding the nation's water resources.
Here are the three things you need to know about WRAP 2.0:
1. It advances water
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WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Three Things to Know About WRAP 2.0
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WASHINGTON - On Thursday, April 16, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin launched the Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) 2.0, to harness the power of water reuse for American industry, the artificial intelligence (AI) future, and American energy dominance while strengthening public health protections and safeguarding the nation's water resources.
Here are the three things you need to know about WRAP 2.0:
1. It advances waterreuse to help make America the AI capital of the world. WRAP 2.0 prioritizes reliable water supplies for data centers and semiconductor manufacturing-critical infrastructure for AI-ensuring the U.S. can scale innovation without straining freshwater resources.
2. It strengthens cooperative federalism through partnerships. The plan empowers states and local leaders while aligning federal agencies and industry partners, using collaboration and existing authorities to accelerate water reuse solutions nationwide.
3. It protects the environment while growing the economy. By turning wastewater into a dependable resource, WRAP 2.0 lowers costs for industry, supports energy and manufacturing expansion, and reduces environmental discharge, delivering both economic growth and clean water for Americans.
Watch the video recap of EPA's WRAP 2.0 announcement here Exit EPA's website.
The announcement was made at an event at EQA headquarters and featured remarks from Administrator Zeldin, EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi, EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jessica Kramer, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Chairman Katherine Scarlett, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark, and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle. Following the press conference, Assistant Administrator Kramer led a panel discussion on the future of water reuse under WRAP 2.0, which featured:
* Deputy Administrator Fotouhi;
* Veolia North America Executive Vice President Dave Ross;
* Simplot Vice President of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Alan Prouty;
* Data Center Coalition President and CEO Josh Levi;
* Loudoun Water Executive Director of Operations and Maintenance Kendra Sveum; and
* AECOM Global Water Chief Executive Beverley Stinson.
More from EPA on WRAP 2.0:
Additional information about WRAP 2.0 can be found here.
The full WRAP 2.0 press conference and panel discussion can be viewed here Exit EPA's website.
A photo gallery from the WRAP 2.0 announcement can be found here Exit EPA's website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/three-things-know-about-wrap-20
Smithsonian Associates Presents "Faith in Harmony" Series Exploring the Soundscapes of American Spirituality
WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release on aPRIL 17, 2026:
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Smithsonian Associates Presents "Faith in Harmony" Series Exploring the Soundscapes of American Spirituality
Smithsonian Associates will present a dynamic program series that explores the roles of sound and music across diverse religious traditions in the United States. Blending live performance with engaging conversation, the five-part series invites audiences to experience how sound functions as a powerful expression of faith, identity and community. The series opens with "Faith in
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WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release on aPRIL 17, 2026:
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Smithsonian Associates Presents "Faith in Harmony" Series Exploring the Soundscapes of American Spirituality
Smithsonian Associates will present a dynamic program series that explores the roles of sound and music across diverse religious traditions in the United States. Blending live performance with engaging conversation, the five-part series invites audiences to experience how sound functions as a powerful expression of faith, identity and community. The series opens with "Faith inHarmony: Soundscapes of American Spirituality: Horn" Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Featuring the music of brass bands, the sounding of the shofar and more, the first session explores how American spiritual communities use the horn today to celebrate their faith in harmony.
Rooted in the nation's commitment to freedom of belief, the series explores the rich and evolving landscape of religion and spirituality in America--including Jewish, Islamic, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and Native American spiritual practices, among others--through celebration of sound. Programs feature performances and conversations that reveal the human connections that emerge when sounds resonate in harmony.
All programs in the series are free and open to the public with registration. Four in-person sessions--hosted in some of the Smithsonian's marquee performance venues on the National Mall--delve into the way sound can reflect, shape and amplify diverse faith traditions. Sessions will explore beat (Thursday, Aug. 6), ringing (Thursday, Sept. 3) and voice (Tuesday, Nov. 17). The final virtual program (Tuesday, Dec. 15) weaves together elements of the nation's spiritual practices culminating in a symphony of uplifting sound. To register, the public can visit the Smithsonian Associates website or call (202) 633-3030.
This project received funding from the Smithsonian's "Our Shared Future: 250," a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years.
For over 60 years, Smithsonian Associates--the world's largest museum-based education program--has produced vibrant educational and cultural programming that brings the Smithsonian to life. Inspired by the Smithsonian's research, collections and exhibitions nearly 1,000 public programs spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages each year.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/smithsonian-associates-presents-faith-harmony-series-exploring-soundscapes
NASA Shuts Off Instrument on Voyager 1 to Keep Spacecraft Operating
PASADENA, California, April 18 (TNSres) -- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory issued the following news:
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NASA Shuts Off Instrument on Voyager 1 to Keep Spacecraft Operating
To conserve power, engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory needed to turn off one of the science instruments on the most distant spacecraft ever built.
On April 17, engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California sent commands to shut down an instrument aboard Voyager 1 called the Low-energy Charged Particles experiment, or LECP. The nuclear-powered spacecraft is running low on power, and
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PASADENA, California, April 18 (TNSres) -- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory issued the following news:
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NASA Shuts Off Instrument on Voyager 1 to Keep Spacecraft Operating
To conserve power, engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory needed to turn off one of the science instruments on the most distant spacecraft ever built.
On April 17, engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California sent commands to shut down an instrument aboard Voyager 1 called the Low-energy Charged Particles experiment, or LECP. The nuclear-powered spacecraft is running low on power, andturning off the LECP is considered the best way to keep humanity's first interstellar explorer going.
The LECP has been operating almost without interruption since Voyager 1 launched in 1977 -- almost 49 years. It measures low-energy charged particles, including ions, electrons, and cosmic rays originating from our solar system and galaxy. It has provided critical data about the structure of the interstellar medium, detecting pressure fronts and regions of varying particle density in the space beyond our heliosphere. The twin Voyagers are the only spacecraft that are far enough from Earth to provide this information.
The choice of which instrument to turn off next wasn't made in the heat of the moment. Years ago, the Voyager science and engineering teams sat down together and agreed on the order in which they would shut off parts of the spacecraft while ensuring the mission can continue to conduct its unique science. Of the 10 identical sets of instruments that each spacecraft carries, seven have been shut off so far. For Voyager 1, the LECP was next on that list. The team shut off the LECP on Voyager 2 in March 2025.
For more details, go to the Voyager blog (https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/voyager/2026/04/17/nasa-shuts-off-instrument-on-voyager-1-to-keep-spacecraft-operating/) on science.nasa.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-shuts-off-instrument-on-voyager-1-to-keep-spacecraft-operating/
Joint MDBs Statement on Critical Minerals to Manufacturing Value Chains
WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following joint statement on April 17, 2026:
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Joint MDBs Statement on Critical Minerals to Manufacturing Value Chains
We, the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), recognize the importance of working together to help build diversified, resilient, and responsible critical minerals to manufacturing value chains, in order to scale up support for clean, affordable, and reliable energy access, as well as the digital and economic transformation of our client countries. We will work with governments, the private sector, workers,
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WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following joint statement on April 17, 2026:
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Joint MDBs Statement on Critical Minerals to Manufacturing Value Chains
We, the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), recognize the importance of working together to help build diversified, resilient, and responsible critical minerals to manufacturing value chains, in order to scale up support for clean, affordable, and reliable energy access, as well as the digital and economic transformation of our client countries. We will work with governments, the private sector, workers,and communities to foster transparent, standards based markets, to add value beyond extraction, and to mobilize capital at scale for projects that meet our respective development goals and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Each party plays distinct roles: client countries provide mineral scale and value-add ambition; global partners bring demand, technology, and capital; and MDBs bridge the two through policy and regulatory support, catalyzing private investment, promotion of regional cooperation, and infrastructure financing.
We will further strengthen our cooperation through a Joint Collaboration Framework that leverages each institution's comparative advantages to deliver more coordinated, timely, scalable, and impactful support to resilient critical minerals to manufacturing value chains across developing countries, while acknowledging our respective institutional mandates, and critical minerals strategies and frameworks. In this context, we will seek to identify opportunities for joint operations -- including through co financing and shared diagnostics, where relevant -- and we will report on progress achieved.
Strengthened and more coordinated support to our client countries will be pursued in the following areas:
1. Policy and Governance Strengthening
* Policy, legal, fiscal, trade, and permitting frameworks, with a view to enabling responsible investment and improving predictability for investors.
* International best environmental and social standards, as well as international best practices in governance, transparency, and accountability.
2. Integrated Infrastructure, Corridor-based Approaches, and Value Chain Expansion
* Quality enabling infrastructure -- including power, transport, logistics, digital connectivity, and water -- that supports critical minerals value chains, fosters innovation, and enables circular economy solutions.
* Projects that maximize local economic benefits, including skilled jobs, SME participation, inclusion of women and vulnerable groups, and community engagement.
* Corridors that link mining activities with processing hubs, create market access for other economic sectors such as agriculture, strengthen regional trade, attract private investment, and promote regional integration -- contributing to broader economic transformation in client countries.
* Value chain expansion and diversification by moving beyond extraction and into processing, manufacturing, and circular value chains in order to drive economic transformations that deepen domestic value addition.
3. Capital Mobilization, Private Sector Investment, and Market Development
* Capital mobilization at scale and acceleration of private sector investments by strengthening project preparation, structuring, and derisking, and by coordinating public and private finance to close viability gaps and deliver bankable, high standard investments.
* Market development by helping our clients enhance market transparency, efficiency, and resilience, including through improved data availability and management.
Our Call to Action
We are committed to urgent and results focused engagement with client countries and global partners to rapidly scale diversified, resilient, and responsible critical minerals to manufacturing value chains. These would be aligned with clients' national priorities, delivering tangible outcomes, including job creation and inclusive economic development that positively impact people for generations to come. We invite all stakeholders to partner with us.
This statement was produced by the following MDBs who were part of the G7 Outreach session in Washington, DC on 17 April 2026: African Development Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, Inter-American Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/joint-mdbs-statement-critical-minerals-manufacturing-value-chains
Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago: Development Breaks Ground on Chicago's Southwest Side, Paving the Way for Aspiring Housing Leaders
CHICAGO, Illinois, April 18 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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New Development Breaks Ground on Chicago's Southwest Side, Paving the Way for Aspiring Housing Leaders
A new 44-unit affordable housing development on Chicago's Southwest Side broke ground this week, marking a key step forward in efforts to restore neighborhoods impacted by the 2007-08 foreclosure crisis.
The development, led by the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP), is part of the broader Reclaiming Southwest Chicago Campaign to transform
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CHICAGO, Illinois, April 18 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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New Development Breaks Ground on Chicago's Southwest Side, Paving the Way for Aspiring Housing Leaders
A new 44-unit affordable housing development on Chicago's Southwest Side broke ground this week, marking a key step forward in efforts to restore neighborhoods impacted by the 2007-08 foreclosure crisis.
The development, led by the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP), is part of the broader Reclaiming Southwest Chicago Campaign to transformvacant and foreclosed properties into sustainable, community-led affordable housing. That work requires more than capital--it requires people with the skills, lived experience, and commitment to lead development efforts over the long term. Expanding access to those opportunities remains a critical challenge across the affordable housing industry.
Through FHLBank Chicago's Community First(R) Developer Program, SWOP received $233,352 in grant funding in partnership with member Marquette Bank to expand its fellowship program, preparing two next-generation developers to take on complex housing projects. These fellows are gaining hands-on experience across the full development lifecycle, including project financing, construction management, property management, and coordination with public agencies.
"This work is about building both housing and people," said Chris Brown, Director of Operations for SWOP. "We're proud to have fellows involved in this process, gaining real, hands-on experience while contributing to developments like this that will have a lasting impact on the community."
The Reclaiming Southwest Chicago Campaign focuses on new construction and the rehabilitation of vacant properties across the community. In addition to the 44-unit affordable rental development that broke ground this week, the effort includes plans for up to 110 new single-family homes and continued acquisition and rehabilitation of vacant buildings--work aimed at strengthening housing stability and supporting long-term community investment. Together, these efforts provide fellows with the breadth of experience needed to take on complex development work and help lead housing efforts in their communities for years to come..
"Programs like the Community First(R) Developer Program help build long-term capacity by supporting both housing development and the people behind it," said Manny Jimenez, First Vice President and Community Reinvestment Act Officer at Marquette Bank. "Through our partnership with FHLBank Chicago, we're proud to support organizations like SWOP as they prepare aspiring housing leaders to carry this work forward in their communities."
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Original text here: https://www.fhlbc.com/news/news-detail/2026/04/17/new-development-breaks-ground-on-chicago-s-southwest-side--paving-the-way-for-aspiring-housing-leaders
