Assets for Artists

In Berkshire County we’ve been working on plans to start up a program of matched savings accounts, micro-loans, small business assistance, and possibly home ownership education and related asset-building services for the burgeoning artist community.  Our region already lures artists through its natural beauty, housing affordability, and cultural richness, but perhaps we could do even better with an innovative support structure for artists.

As part of the planning process, we’re surveying local artists in all disciplines to learn about their income levels, housing needs, etc.  We’ve already received more than 100 responses, which is a terrific start, but I’d like to push that up above 200 before the end of August.

If you happen to be a Berkshire County artist (or if you know any), the survey can be completed online here.

Bloomberg Backs IDAs for Foster Teens

New York City is experimenting again with asset development strategies, this time providing individual development accounts (IDAs) and financial education to teens in the foster care system, according to a post at West Bronx Blog.

No one can accuse Bloomberg of being unwilling to try out some new ideas (see my April post on New York’s experimental, and controversial, payments to poor families in return for good parenting and other socially desirable behavior).