September 10, 2026 Last week, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William Pulte made clear that significant changes to the mortgage credit reporting system are under consideration — including moving away from the costly and antiquated tri-merge requirement. Now is the time for MBA members to make their voices heard. - In posts on X since last Thursday, Director Pulte has highlighted the high costs of the current credit reporting system and the impact those costs have on American … [Read more...]
FOR MEMBERS ONLY – WHAT’S HAPPENING at the RI STATE HOUSE
Overview of the House Finance Committee budget passed Friday night. by Lenette C. Forry-Menard, Esq. Champion Advocacy Associates and RIMBA's Lobbyist May 30, 2026 - Below is a general overview of the House Finance Committee budget passed last night. It leans heavily on the business general interests. If you wish to read the fiscal staff's changes document, you can find it … [Read more...]
Rhode Island Commerce Announces Launch of Grant Program to Help Reduce Small Business Energy Costs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, March 19, 2026PRESS CONTACT Giselle Mahoney Chief of Communications [email protected] 401-545-0626 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – March 19, 2026 – Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor and Rhode Island Commerce today announced the launch of the Small Business Energy Efficiency Program – a statewide grant program to help small businesses reduce their energy costs. The program is a partnership between Rhode Island Commerce, Rhode Island Energy, RISE … [Read more...]
Federal Banking Agencies’ Basel III Re-proposal Contains Numerous MBA Recommendations
3.19.26 - This morning, the Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) jointly released and adopted the long-anticipated Basel III Endgame re-proposal on bank capital requirements. The three-part proposal (Endgame; G-SIB surcharge; and standardized proposal for regional banks) has a 90-day comment period with a deadline of June 18, 2026. What they're saying: In a press statement, MBA President … [Read more...]
President Trump Issues Executive Orders on Mortgages, Housing Construction
(Friday, March 13) This afternoon, President Donald Trump signed two executive orders (here and here) that aim to remove regulatory barriers to housing construction and promote lower costs and increased access to mortgage credit. Fact sheets: President Donald J. Trump Removes Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Home Construction; President Donald J. Trump Promotes Access to Mortgage Credit What they're saying: In a press statement, MBA President and CEO Bob Broeksmit, CMB, said, "America's housing … [Read more...]
Providence City Council launches push to cap rent increases
Nish Kohli, Providence Journal | USA TODAY NETWORK The Providence City Council unveiled its proposal to place a 4% cap on annual rent increases for most rental homes – a simple measure that members say would help stabilize housing prices while ensuring fair returns for landlords. Grassroots organizers have spent years vying for rent stabilization in Providence and have finally gained ground with the council’s progressive membership, which believes rent stabilization is a key component of … [Read more...]
Governor McKee’s State of the State Address 1/13/2026
Governor McKee opened in remembrance of the victims of the Brown shooting. “Every decision we make reaches one place – homes where RI families come together.” Families are questioning what the future holds. “Here’s what I know – RIers always have each other’s backs.” Together we are building a future worth fighting for. We will keep fighting for the future Riers deserve. We will fight back against Trump policies to protect the most vulnerable and protect our … [Read more...]
POLITICAL SCENE
CHALLENGES AHEAD Federal cuts, election politics loom over 2026 RI legislative session Katherine Gregg and Patrick Anderson Providence Journal I USA TODAY NETWORK What is the likelihood of a tax increase for Rhode Island’s highest earners – and possibly others – during the new legislative session that begins on Tuesday, Jan. 6? ●The official answer from legislative leaders: “Everything is on the table.” ● But unlike other years, the chances appear better in … [Read more...]
(10/21/25) Breaking News! RIMBA Has a Seat at the Table!
Governor McKee submitted legislation in the last session of the General Assembly to create an Advisory Council on Housing and Homelessness, and it was enacted by them. The goal of this Council is to advise the Executive Office of Housing on its policies and programs. The Council will be comprised of 20 individuals who represent expertise and interests outside of government that relate to housing issues. These individuals will serve for three years and are term limited to two consecutive … [Read more...]
Remembering RIMBA’s Past President Jerry Margulies
March 23, 1950 — September 6, 2025 The Rhode Island Mortgage Bankers Association is saddened to announce the death of a man who was a co-founder of RIMBA, a Past President, a long-time Director, Publisher of the paper version of the RIMBA Report, and a friend to many in the mortgage industry. Read more ...... https://conta.cc/4pwBLtp … [Read more...]