On December 15, the federal bank and thrift regulatory agencies announced changes to Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulations to support stabilization of communities affected by high foreclosure levels. The CRA requires the federal banking and thrift regulatory agencies to assess the record of each insured depository institution in helping to meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of the institution, and to take that record into account when the agency evaluates an application by the institution for a deposit facility.