Post-Disaster Economic Outcomes Of Community Development Financial Institutions (Cdfis) In Underserved Communities: The Role Of Government Funding Allocations, Regulatory Transparency, And Accountability Requirements

Author

Bridget Elaine Steele Ross, Prairie View A&M University

Date of Award

8-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Degree Discipline

Business Administration

Abstract

This research explored how institutional transparency, accountability mechanisms, and organizational scale relate to Community Development Financial Institutions' (CDFIs) effectiveness in economically marginalized areas after federally declared disasters. Drawing on principles from Agency Theory and Resource Dependency Theory, the study investigated how government financial support influences CDFI 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 indicated a strong, statistically significant link between total government funding allocations and economic outcomes. However, in isolation, transparency ratings, accountability scores, and institutional size were not significant predictors of performance. These findings reinforce Resource Dependency Theory by emphasizing access to external funding as a primary driver while challenging the extent to which regulatory oversight impacts operational outcomes, as Agency Theory suggests.

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.

Keywords: Community development financial institutions, disaster recovery, regulatory transparency, accountability requirements, government funding allocations, agency theory, resource dependency theory, underserved communities, job creation, unemployment

Committee Chair/Advisor

Louis Ngamassi

Committee Member

Thiagarajan Ramakrishnan

Committee Member

Hesam Shahriari

Publisher

Prairie View A&M University

Rights

Date of Digitization

7/28/2025

Contributing Institution

J. B . Coleman Library

City of Publication

Prairie View

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Steele Ross, B. E. (2025). Post-Disaster Economic Outcomes Of Community Development Financial Institutions (Cdfis) In Underserved Communities: The Role Of Government Funding Allocations, Regulatory Transparency, And Accountability Requirements. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-dissertations/118