FHLBank Chicago

09/01/2026

In August, FHLBank Chicago convened two economic roundtable discussions with Congressman Brad Schneider, Congressman Bill Foster, and Congressman Sean Casten, along with member financial institutions, trade association partners (Illinois Bankers Association, the Community Bankers Association of IL, the Illinois Credit Union League, the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Illinois, and the Illinois Realtors) and industry leaders, to discuss housing finance and supply, digital assets, fraud issues, and community development across Illinois.

These conversations created valuable forums for our members to share local perspectives directly with policymakers while reinforcing the critical role community lenders play in supporting families, small businesses, and communities.

By connecting members with policymakers and providing member-focused financial solutions, FHLBank Chicago continues delivering value that helps strengthen communities across Illinois and Wisconsin.

Learn more about our public policy and advocacy efforts at fhlbc.com/public-policy

08/31/2026

Today, we joined Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) in Waukesha to recognize La Casa De Esperanza, one of 14 Wisconsin organizations receiving grants through our Community First® Housing Counseling Resource Program (HCRP).

Through the HCRP, we’re proud to strengthen housing counseling organizations across Illinois and Wisconsin, expanding their capacity to provide the trusted guidance and financial preparation that help more individuals and families navigate the path to successful, sustainable homeownership.

The impact of this program comes to life through homebuyers like Julia Castillo, a single mother of three who received counseling through La Casa de Esperanza while preparing to purchase a home. She also received a $10,000 Downpayment Plus® Program grant through FHLBank Chicago member Waukesha State Bank to help with down payment and closing costs.

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4guBwN1

08/28/2026

Register today for our upcoming webinar – "From Paper to Digital: Lessons Learned on the eClosing Journey," featuring insights from FHLBank Chicago alongside speakers from DocMagic and Altra Federal Credit Union.

Tune in at 11 a.m. on September 10 to hear practical lessons on eClosings and eNotes, including what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how lenders are navigating the transition from paper to digital: https://bit.ly/4qNAXBu

08/28/2026

Supported by a $1 million Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from FHLBank Chicago, Earle Residences represents an innovative approach to creating affordable housing in communities where it’s needed most. We were proud to join project partners in celebrating this week’s grand opening.

Local officials gathered Wednesday to cut the ribbon on the Charles Earle School Apartments. Mayor Brandon Johnson said he is “committed” to making sure that every school closed in 2013 is “repurposed and turned back into the hands of the public.”

08/28/2026

We are introducing additional low loan balance pricing options across our MPF® Traditional and MPF Xtra® products. With new pricing schedules available for qualifying loans up to $450,000 on select products, members may benefit from additional pricing advantages while enhancing their mortgage strategies.

These expanded options can help institutions strengthen their offerings, attract new customers, and continue to support affordable lending solutions.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4wQpJNK

08/27/2026

We were proud to join Phoenix Foundation NFP, Gorman & Company, and community partners yesterday to celebrate the grand opening of Earle Residences in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.

FHLBank Chicago awarded a $1 million Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant to support the rehabilitation of the historic Earle School, helping preserve a neighborhood landmark while expanding housing opportunities in Englewood. The adaptive reuse project converted the former school, originally constructed beginning in 1897, into 50 affordable rental apartment units.

Thank you to the many partners who helped bring Earle Residences to life.

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3SCDTUK

08/27/2026

Today, we hosted Congressman Bill Foster and Congressman Sean Casten, member financial institutions, trade association partners, and industry leaders for a roundtable discussion focused on housing finance, community lending, and economic priorities impacting communities across the greater Chicago region.

The conversation highlighted the important role community-based financial institutions play in expanding access to credit, advancing affordable housing, supporting small businesses, and strengthening local economies.

Thank you to Congressman Foster, Congressman Casten, our members, and our trade association partners Illinois Bankers Association, the Community Bankers Association of IL, the Illinois Credit Union League, the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Illinois, and the Illinois Realtors for joining this important discussion and helping advance solutions that support housing, community development, and long-term economic opportunity. https://bit.ly/4wUeQun

08/26/2026

Building connections is an important part of our everyday culture. We saw this in action last week during our All-Star Summer Showcase, led by our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Engagement Teams. The event featured baseball-themed trivia, raffle prizes, classic ballpark snacks, and the opportunity to learn more about the groups who help make our workplace great.

Events like these are just one of the many ways we celebrate our employees and strengthen meaningful connections across FHLBank Chicago. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success!

08/25/2026

Check out this story from News 8 Now / News 8000 highlighting efforts to expand access to housing counseling in the La Crosse community.

Through FHLBank Chicago’s Community First® Housing Counseling Resource Program (HCRP), administered in Wisconsin by Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), Couleecap, Inc. received $344,000 to expand housing counseling services.

We’re proud to partner with WHEDA to support housing counseling agencies and expand homeownership opportunities across Wisconsin.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4cFKqES

08/24/2026

We're pleased to announce enhancements to our Community Advance product, designed to help members do even more for their communities.

Effective today, the annual interest rate subsidy limit doubles to $400,000 per member, and eligible activity may receive a 100 basis point discount—expanding capacity for affordable housing, small business lending, agricultural activity, and economic development across Illinois and Wisconsin.

Learn more on our website: https://bit.ly/4wHTuAb