Proven Impact, Backed by Data
Through our leadership in housing finance and community investment, FHLBank Chicago helps strengthen the financial system while delivering measurable benefits to the communities we serve.
Explore the research below to see how these efforts translate into real outcomes.
Understanding Our District
Examining Our Market
These data-rich chartbooks examine Illinois’ and Wisconsin's housing market through demographics, housing stock, construction trends, renovation financing, mortgage access, and affordability pressures. It identifies key barriers—including aging homes, limited new construction, renovation financing gaps, and small-dollar mortgage challenges—and outlines strategic opportunities for FHLBank Chicago to support housing supply, preservation, and homeownership access.
FHLBanks Value
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Together, the Urban Institute’s research finds that the FHLBanks provides significant public value by strengthening financial stability, expanding housing and community development lending, and creating scalable models—such as FHLBank Chicago’s Community First Fund—to channel flexible, mission-driven capital into underserved communities.
The Value of the FHLBank System's Housing and Community Mission-Oriented Programs
The Value of the FHLBank System to Promote Housing and Community Development Lending
Federal Home Loan Banks Significantly Reduce the Risk of Financial Crises
Leveraging the Community First Fund to Scale FHLBanks' Mission Impact
Research that Shows Real Results
Independent studies underscore FHLBank Chicago’s leadership role in advancing housing solutions and strengthening communities nationwide.
By equipping community-based financial institutions with reliable liquidity and lending capacity, the FHLBanks help drive investments that expand housing supply, improve affordability, and support the long-term stability of the U.S. financial system.
Top Research Highlights
University of Wisconsin Business School
"Government policies and interventions, such as low-cost wholesale funding implemented by the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), are designed to improve the odds of home ownership—to achieve the American dream."
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Filene Research Institute
"Membership in a Federal Home Loan Bank has distinct advantages for credit unions, including increased mortgage lending and opportunities for liquidity."
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U.S. Government Accountability Office
"Analysis found that higher FHLBank borrowing was generally associated with positive outcomes for most banks, especially smaller banks with $10 billion or less in assets."
NY Fed Researchers
Policy Analysis and Perspectives
Stay informed with policy briefs from the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks and economist John Comeau. These concise analyses explore key issues shaping housing finance, community development, liquidity, and financial stability, helping readers better understand the value and impact of the FHLBanks in today's economic environment.
Member Solutions and Insights
At FHLBank Chicago, we’re more than a funding partner—we’re a strategic advisor committed to helping our members thrive. Through a suite of tailored solutions and timely insights, we empower financial institutions to navigate today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.Advocacy in Action
Telling our story to policymakers is key to our advocacy efforts. Below are examples of our economic and housing roundtables, Affordable Housing Program project tours, and other events designed to demonstrate to policymakers how we work with our member institutions to impact families and communities in their Congressional districts.
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