FHFA Listening Session: FHLBank System at 100: Focusing on the Future

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) will conduct a comprehensive review of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) System beginning in the fall of 2022.

The FHLBanks have been a critical source of liquidity for their members for the past 90 years, especially during times of market stress, such as the Great Recession and the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The FHLBanks also support low-income housing and community development directly by offering a variety of programs to their members, including the Affordable Housing Program, the Community Investment Program, and the Community Investment Cash Advance Program.

As part of the review process, FHFA will host two public listening sessions and a series of regional roundtable discussions to consider and evaluate the mission, membership eligibility requirements, and operational efficiencies of the FHLBanks. FHFA will hear from stakeholders on the FHLBanks’ role or potential role in addressing housing finance, community and economic development, affordability, and other related issues.

FHFA invites interested parties to speak or attend the kick-off event for FHLBank System at 100: Focusing on the Future, a listening session on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Due to high interest, FHFA has added a second day to the listening session on September 30, 2022. The September 29 session will be held in person at the Constitution Center in Washington, DC, with the option to participate virtually. The September 30 session will be virtual only.

FHFA is specifically interested in receiving feedback in six key areas:

1. The FHLBanks’ general mission and purpose in a changing marketplace;
2. FHLBank organization, operational efficiency, and effectiveness;
3. FHLBanks’ role in promoting affordable, sustainable, equitable, and resilient housing and community investment;
4. Addressing the unique needs of rural and financially vulnerable communities;
5. Member products, services, and collateral requirements; and
6. Membership eligibility and requirements.

FHFA is also accepting written comments on the same topics through October 21, 2022.

The session is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. ET and conclude by 4:00 p.m. ET each day. If you would like to request a brief speaking slot, please indicate your interest on the following registration page. As of September 20, 2022, speaker sign-ups for both days are fully subscribed. If you are interested in providing comments, you may register to be added to the waitlist and we will hold a spot for you at a future Listening Session to be held later this year or early next year. If there is sufficient demand, we may also add a third day to the kick-off Listening Session.

A copy of the agenda will be forthcoming.