The Community Development and Engagement team at the Minneapolis Fed advances the economic well-being of Indian Country and low- to moderate-income individuals, households, and communities. Through applied research, data analysis, and policy development, we intend to make a substantial contribution to public policy. We are proud to be the home of the Center for Indian Country Development, which supports the prosperity of Native nations and Indigenous communities through actionable data and research.
Our work began in 1981, when Congress established a network of Community Affairs offices throughout the Federal Reserve System to provide a source of information and guidance about the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). In addition to serving as a resource on community reinvestment, we work closely with policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders on topics that affect low- and moderate-income families, such as housing affordability and labor market policies.
Labor market policies and programs shape the rules governing the dynamics between employers and employees, which in turn have important impacts on low- and moderate-income workers. Policies on occupational licensure and non-compete contracts—when poorly designed—can reduce opportunities to access good jobs. Workforce services programs and unemployment insurance aim to support workers while they look for those good jobs. We conduct research to provide leaders with high-quality information as they seek to remove barriers and improve outcomes for workers and the overall labor market. 
Housing is the largest single item in most household budgets and a key driver of economic mobility and the broader U.S. economy. We conduct research, convene experts, and engage our community to better understand housing in our region. By addressing key issues such as racial disparities in mortgage-approval rates, investor ownership of single-family homes, and barriers to affordable housing in Indian Country, we aim to provide community leaders with the data they need to support sound housing policy. 
The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is a 1977 federal law that encourages banks and other depository institutions to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound banking operations.
In 2015, the Minneapolis Fed established Center for Indian Country Development (CICD). As a center of excellence within and resource for the Federal Reserve System, CICD serves as the System’s key connector and catalyst to Indian Country leaders and to policymakers at the federal, state, and tribal levels.