COMMITTEE CHAIR: Dr. Louis Ngamassi Tchouakeu
TITLE: POST-DISASTER ECONOMIC OUTCOMES OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS (CDFIs) IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES: THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT FUNDING, REGULATORY TRANSPARENCY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
ABSTRACT: This research explores how institutional transparency, accountability mechanisms, and organizational scale relate to the effectiveness of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) serving economically marginalized areas after federally declared disasters. Drawing on principles from Agency Theory and Resource Dependency Theory, the study investigates how government financial support influences CDFIs performance, measured by job creation and the initiation of new small businesses.
A quantitative approach was applied using aggregated data drawn from authoritative sources, including the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The dataset comprises 199 CDFIs across 25 states that received federal recovery allocations between 2019 and 2022.
Multiple regression results indicate a strong, statistically significant link between total government funding and economic outcomes. However, transparency ratings, accountability scores, and institutional size were not significant predictors of performance in isolation. These findings reinforce Resource Dependency Theory by emphasizing access to external funding as a primary driver, while challenging the extent to which regulatory oversight—as suggested by Agency Theory—impacts operational outcomes.
The study expands the empirical literature on CDFIs in post-disaster recovery, offering insights for policymakers, funders, and institutional leaders aiming to promote economic resilience through data-informed, equity-driven funding strategies.
Room Location: Northwest Campus Room 205