The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1977 aimed at encouraging financial institutions to meet the credit needs of the communities they serve, particularly low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA requires banks and other lenders to demonstrate their commitment to providing loans and services to all segments of the community, ensuring fair access to credit. Under the CRA, regulatory agencies assess banks' performance in serving their communities during periodic evaluations. These assessments can influence a bank's ability to merge or expand, promoting responsible lending practices and helping to combat discrimination in lending, thereby supporting community development and economic growth.