Banking on Connections

FHLBank Chicago
  • 0.0 (0)
  • BUSINESS

Banking and the financial industry are complex. At the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, we’re here to help bridge gaps and drive conversations that showcase how banking connects all of us. On this podcast, you’ll meet FHLBank Chicago employees and other financial and housing industry thought leaders, discover products and programs that help create thriving communities, gain the latest market insights, and feel more connected to a vital part of the U.S. financial system.

  1. APR 22

    A New Path to Affordable Housing: The MPF® Habitat for Humanity® Program

    Across Illinois and Wisconsin, the need for affordable housing continues to outpace supply, and for many Habitat for Humanity affiliates, building more homes has become increasingly difficult. In this episode of Banking on Connections, FHLBank Chicago introduces its new Mortgage Partnership Finance® (MPF®) Habitat for Humanity Program and the collaboration behind it. Moderated by Jamie Lutton, Manager of Community Outreach and Engagement at FHLBank Chicago, the conversation features Patrick Sullivan, Executive Vice President and Group Head of Mortgage Partnership Finance® Program at FHLBank Chicago; Sarah Brachle Wagner, Chief Executive Officer of Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity; and Peter Lewandowski, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin. Together, they walk through the realities shaping Habitat’s work today, from rising construction and land costs to the challenges of funding homes under a traditional model where capital is tied up over time. The discussion also explores how third-party lending and new approaches to financing are helping affiliates access capital more quickly. The MPF Habitat for Humanity Program builds on that shift by combining interest rate subsidies, flexible underwriting, and access to the secondary market to create a more consistent, standardized solution. The goal is straightforward: help Habitat affiliates reinvest capital faster, build more homes, and serve more families.

    23 min

  2. JAN 15

    Building the Next Generation of Affordable Housing Developers

    Building affordable housing takes more than funding and land — it takes skilled developers. In this episode of Banking on Connections, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago highlights how it is strengthening the affordable housing talent pipeline through its Community First® Developer Program. In 2025, FHLBank Chicago awarded $5.9 million through the Developer Program to organizations across Illinois and Wisconsin, supporting more than 110 internships and fellowships designed to build real-world development expertise. These grants help nonprofit and mission-driven organizations hire, train, and mentor emerging professionals gaining hands-on experience in project management, predevelopment planning, construction, and financing. Featuring perspectives from Developer Program grant recipients and their member partners, the episode shows how FHLBank Chicago’s funding is expanding organizational capacity, strengthening local housing ecosystems, and supporting the skilled developers needed to move affordable housing projects forward.

    12 min

  3. 09/22/2025

    The Fed’s September Rate Cut: What It Means for Markets, Jobs, and Housing

    This episode of Banking on Connections features James Hotchkiss discussing the Federal Reserve’s September rate cut and its impact on the economy. The conversation centers on the Fed’s decision to lower the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, signaling a shift in monetary policy as inflation cools and the labor market slows. Key points include: The Fed’s move reduces recession risks and reflects growing concern about the jobs market, with hiring slowing but layoffs remaining low. Uncertainty around tariffs and rates continues to affect business investment and consumer sentiment, especially for small businesses. The housing market shows regional differences: inventory is high in the South but remains tight in the Midwest and Northeast, with Chicago seeing strong price appreciation. The Fed is now prioritizing employment over inflation, willing to let inflation run hotter to support job growth. The episode closes with a look at how these changes may affect long-term rates, housing affordability, and consumer confidence as we move through 2025.

    30 min

  4. 07/24/2025

    MPF® Program's Evolving Role in Housing: Insights From Patrick Sullivan

    On this episode of Banking on Connections, host Stephen Schumacher dives into one of the podcast’s most essential themes—housing—with Patrick Sullivan, Executive Vice President and Group Head of the Mortgage Partnership Finance® (MPF®) Program. As supply and affordability challenges persist across Illinois and Wisconsin, Patrick shares his unique 360-degree perspective on the housing industry, how the MPF Program has evolved to support housing affordability, and why collaboration among financial institutions, community partners, and housing leaders is key to tackling the challenging housing market. Tune in and be part of the conversation shaping the future of housing finance.

    31 min

  5. 06/20/2025

    The Economy in Limbo - A Mid-Year Outlook

    Markets are volatile, inflation is steady, and recession fears linger—but where do we really stand halfway through 2025? FHLBank Chicago's in-house Economist James Hotchkiss joins host Stephen Schumacher to break down the data, unpack consumer spending behavior, and explore what it all means for financial institutions.  Tune in to hear:  Why the economy feels stuck in “wait and see” mode  What recent retail and labor data suggest about consumer confidence  How housing trends differ dramatically across regions  What opportunities exist for financial institutions amid economic ambiguity

    18 min

  6. 05/21/2025

    Skill Development - A Continuous Journey and Investment

    Every organization is experiencing how quickly technology, customer preferences, and the economic landscape is changing and advancing how we work. That’s no different in the banking and finance sectors. While many teams want to find new and more efficient ways to complete work and grow the careers of its employees – how do you find time for that skill development? How does an organization embrace change and adapt strategically to drive that value to its employees and customers?   On this episode, guest Chelsi Gallegos, Assistant Director, Organizational Development at FHLBank Chicago, shares insight into how organizations can start a skill development journey for its employees, what that investment looks like, and how FHLBank Chicago’s multi-year skill development journey is helping us grow and evolve how we serve our member financial institutions.

    16 min

  7. 04/16/2025

    Opening Doors: How Downpayment Plus® Programs Support Homebuyers

    As homebuyers navigate a challenging housing market, one common financial hurdle they face is having enough money to cover the down payment and closing costs. On this episode, we explore how our Downpayment Plus® (DPP®) Programs expand homeownership opportunities in Illinois and Wisconsin and how FHLBank Chicago members can participate. Representatives from our Community Investment team—Angie Ashlaw, Senior Community Investment Operations Specialist, and Jamie Lutton, Manager, Community Outreach—discuss an overview of the program, its positive impact on individuals and communities, and steps for financial institutions to leverage DPP funding effectively.

    13 min

  8. 03/21/2025

    A Certainly Uncertain Economic Outlook

    James Hotchkiss, FHLBank Chicago’s in-house economist, is back to share his insights into the layers of uncertainty in the United States economy and markets. We break down the potential impacts of tariffs, job market news, consumer spending trends, and direction of interest rates. What does all this mean for consumers? What should FHLBank Chicago members and the financial sector pay attention to? Tune in as we navigate all the economic twists and turns.

    20 min
See All (15)

Trailer

About

Banking and the financial industry are complex. At the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, we’re here to help bridge gaps and drive conversations that showcase how banking connects all of us. On this podcast, you’ll meet FHLBank Chicago employees and other financial and housing industry thought leaders, discover products and programs that help create thriving communities, gain the latest market insights, and feel more connected to a vital part of the U.S. financial system.

Information

  • Creator
    FHLBank Chicago
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Banking on Connections

You Might Also Like