Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation

From: Catherine Smith [mailto:cbc.smith@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 4:20 PM
To: Comments
Subject: Community Reinvestment -- RIN 3064-AC50

I have worked in the field of community development for 15 years. I have seen wonderful partnerships develop between banks and nonprofit organizations that serve low-income people. These partnerships have greatly benefited individual citizens, entire neighborhoods, and the nonprofit organizations themselves.

I believe that very few of these partnerships would exist if banks’ feet were not held to the fire by CRA. Therefore, I strongly oppose the FDIC's proposal to allow banks with assets above $250 million to be examined as small banks under the Community Reinvestment Act. This policy would reduce lending, investments and services in low-income communities and be a serious detriment to community revitalization nationwide.

Thank you.

Catherine Smith
President
Community-Based Communications, L.L.C.