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Marc R. Levinson papers

 Collection
Collection number: ahc.MSS974

Scope and Content

This collection contains records he accumulated as chairman of the CLNHC (1979-1980) as well as correspondence from other leaders of the organization including Pat Willis; W. Leo Frame, Jr.; and Joel Cross. Most of the collection is composed of of the committee's files on banks including correspondence with bank leaders about their compliance with the CRA. Other materials found in these files include mortgage loan disclosure statements, statements of purpose in adherence with the CRA, bank promotional materials advertising services for low-income customers, and handwritten notes on the activity of banks in marginalized neighborhoods.

The papers also include Levinson's notes and research for articles he wrote about the Community Block Grants. His research includes handwritten notes, newspaper articles, correspondence and memos from the City of Atlanta, pamphlets, and records of public hearings for grant proposals. Grant records include information about the need for community involvement, housing compliance, statistics on home and rental inspections, revitalization project plans and lists of proposed community development projects. Also included are city government reports on grant planning and management, citizen participation plans, agendas and minutes from community meetings, and proposals. Also included are letters from Leo Frame to the mayor on issues concerning the Community Development Block Grants.

Dates

  • 1974-1982

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright law. (Title 17, U.S. Code) Permission for use must be cleared through the Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center. Licensing agreement may be required.

Administrative/Biographical History

Marc R. Levinson (1953-) is a journalist and former news editor of Creative Loafing, an Atlanta weekly publication. He also published Georgia State Report, 1979-1980, a non-partisan newsletter about state government in Georgia.

Levinson also served as chairman of Atlanta's Citywide League of Neighborhoods Housing Committee (CLNHC), a citizen's volunteer group that lobbied local and state government on issues related to housing, education, economic development, public safety, and transportation. The CLNHC also monitored lenders in regard to their compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (CRA) and offered help in finding solutions to conflicts with the rules. The CRA is a federal law designed to encourage commercial banks and savings associations to meet the needs of their communities and reduce discriminatory credit practices against low-income neighborhoods.

Levinson covered the City of Atlanta's work on the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for Creative Loafing from 1974-1980. The CDBG was one of the longest-running programs of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. It funded local community development activities such as affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development.

Extent

2 linear ft. (5 document cases)

Language

English

System of Arrangement

The collection is divided into three series: I. Citywide League of Neighborhoods Housing Committee, arranged alphabetically by financial institution; II. Community Development Block Grants, arranged chronologically; and III. Georgia State Report, arranged chronologically.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Marc R. Levinson, 1983 (1983.238).

Title
Marc R. Levinson Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Inventory prepared by Laura Starratt
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center Repository

Contact:
130 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta GA 30305
404-814-4040