Bridges: Popular Articles from Community Development’s Archive

Bridges was the St. Louis Fed’s long-running publication of economic and community development issues. It was written with community-based organizations, Community Reinvestment Act officers, academics and government officials in mind.

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Popular Articles from Over the Years

Below are featured (still-popular) pieces from more than 500 Bridges articles published over the decades. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the St. Louis Fed or Federal Reserve System.

You can visit the full Bridges publication archive (1997-2023) in FRASER, the St. Louis Fed’s digital library.

  • The Four Key Elements of Innovation

    Innovation requires collaboration, ideation, implementation and value creation.

  • Casinos and Economic Development: A Look at the Issues

    Many states have approved commercial casino gambling primarily because they see it as a tool for economic growth. What are some issues surrounding the perceived benefits?

  • The Old, Young and Incarcerated: Latest ID Theft Victims

    Some credit repair companies provide a “fresh start” in questionable ways: by requesting an employee identification number from the IRS, or by selling the consumer a CPN—a credit profile, credit privacy or credit protection number.

  • The Ups and Downs of Infill Housing

    Many in community development think of infill housing as new houses constructed on vacant, underused lots interspersed among older properties in established neighborhoods. This story explores infill in Memphis, Little Rock, Louisville and St. Louis.

  • East St. Louis: One City's Story

    Between 1960 and 1970, this Metro East city lost nearly 70% of its businesses. Unemployment soared. Residents moved out of town. The tax base shrunk, and local services suffered. But organizations and investors have made headway in economic redevelopment.

  • What is Workforce Development?

    The Fed’s dual mandate is price stability and maximum sustainable employment. To achieve the latter, workers’ skills must match those demanded in the marketplace.

  • Entrepreneurs Thrive in America

    The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the U.S. Learn how federal and state policies can make a difference for those entrepreneurs facing risk.

  • Light-Rail Transit: Myths and Realities

    Whether light-rail systems are a benefit or a boondoggle in the communities that build them has been argued for many years.

  • Increasing Density: A Small-Town Approach to New Urbanism

    Much has been written about the population decline in rural America. How can small towns compete for jobs and residents? A focus on increasing population density may help.