The U.S. Treasury publishes details about a significant new community development program -- the New Markets Tax Credit Program.
By making an equity investment in an eligible "community development entity" (CDE), individual and corporate investors can receive a New Markets Tax Credit worth more than 30 percent of the amount invested over the life of the credit, in present value terms. Eligible CDEs could include for-profit community development financial institutions (CDFIs), for-profit subsidiaries of community development corporations, SBA-licensed New Markets Venture Capital companies, and Specialized Small Business Investment Companies. The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, U.S.Department of the Treasury, issued guidance today on the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program. At the same time, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued an Advance Notice ofProposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on tax issues related to the program. The guidance and the ANPRM will initially be posted on the Treasury Departments website and will be published in theFederal Register the week of April 23, 2001. The guidance includes information on how entities will apply to receive allocations ofNMTCs, the competitive procedure through which allocations will be made and actions thatwill be taken to ensure that proper allocations are made to appropriate entities. The guidanceseeks comment from the public.
Thanks to National Congress for Community Economic Development
FULL STORY: CDFI Fund Issues Guidance on New Markets Tax Credit Program

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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