Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Economic Mobility Across Rural America

A conversation with Harvard economics professor Raj Chetty

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Fifth District Snapshot: Labor Market Data Updated

New CDFI Survey Data Tool Now Available

Richmond Fed Employees Receive Prestigious Taylor Award

"Businesses rediscovered the pricing lever. So, today, many are willing to test if they can’t use it again. When they try, they are finding less resistance than they did prepandemic."

Tom Barkin

Richmond Fed President

Why Hike?, September 22, 2026

Who We Are and What We Do

As a regional Reserve Bank, the Richmond Fed works to strengthen the economy and the Fifth District communities we serve by helping to carry out the day-to-day operations of the Fed. Here's how we do it:

Help Keep Banks Safe and Sound

We help make sure banks in our district follow applicable laws and regulations.

Keep Cash and Payments Flowing

We help keep the country’s electronic payment system running and make sure banks have enough cash and coin to do business.

Represent the Regional Economy

We represent our region in national monetary policy discussions that aim to keep prices and employment stable.

Engage in Our Local Communities

We listen and learn from regional voices, and we provide economic education and community development resources in support of a stronger economy for all.

Contribute Specialized Knowledge

We share our unique expertise with the Federal Reserve System, like the work we do to understand and uplift the economies of rural areas and small towns.

By the Numbers

67

of Fifth District counties are classified as rural (2 out of 3), all of which can benefit from the Center for Rural Economies and the Rural Investment Collaborative.

Learn more about our rural resources