WASHINGTON, DC, February 11, 2025 – On February 11, the National Housing Conference, the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco hosted, “Federal Home Loan Banks: Shaping the Future of Affordable Housing and Community Investment.” The event brought together leading housing and finance industry experts to explore the role of the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) in providing liquidity to financial institutions to support housing and community investment.

“The FHLBanks are key partners for our members across the country and a foundational source of liquidity for the financial system, powering economic growth, market stability, and housing affordability,” said Ryan Donovan, President and CEO, the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks. “As the largest source of private funding for affordable housing and community development in the country, it has never been more important for policymakers to recognize the valuable role we play. We are grateful to NHC for hosting this event as this symposium is the first of its kind where the FHLBanks are participating with other stakeholders in a series of important discussions about ways to deliver impact.”

Participants engaged with experts and industry leaders who explored how these private-sector cooperatives facilitate affordable housing finance while preserving local and community-based banking. Discussions covered the full scope of the Affordable Housing Program, including workforce housing, homeownership, and community development initiatives, as well as case studies and opportunities for enhancing the program. As the FHLBank System nears its 100th anniversary, participants reflected on its historical impact and examined strategies for modernizing the system to address evolving housing challenges and support future housing finance needs.

"The discussions today shed light on how FHLBanks play a critical role in facilitating affordable housing finance while ensuring the strength of local lenders,” said Greg Ward, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at FHLBank San Francisco. "By executing on our liquidity mission, we enable our member financial institutions to keep credit flowing in all economic conditions and, through these partnerships, we help drive affordable housing, economic development, and local growth, fostering long-term, sustainable prosperity."

“With the growing focus surrounding the FHLBanks in recent years, it is essential for policymakers to understand the full range of benefits these institutions offer—not only to the stability and efficiency of the financial system but also to taxpayers and communities nationwide,” said David M. Dworkin, President and CEO, the National Housing Conference.

For further details about the event, please click here where you can expect updates in the coming days, featuring event photos and videos.

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About the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks: The FHLBanks are 11 regionally based, wholesale suppliers of lendable funds to financial institutions of all sizes and many types, including community banks, credit unions, commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions. The FHLBanks are cooperatively owned by member financial institutions in all 50 states and U.S. territories. The steady supply of lendable funds from FHLBanks helps U.S. lenders invest in local needs including housing, jobs, and economic growth. The Council of FHLBanks represents all 11 FHLBanks.

About the National Housing Conference: Founded in 1931, the National Housing Conference is the oldest and broadest housing coalition in America. NHC is a diverse continuum of affordable housing stakeholders who convene and collaborate through dialogue, advocacy, research, and education, to develop equitable solutions that serve our common interest—an America where everyone is able to live in a quality, affordable home in a thriving community. Politically diverse and nonpartisan, NHC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. To learn more about NHC, visit www.nhc.org.