The primary purpose of the CRA is to encourage which of the following?

The primary purpose of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is indeed to encourage community reinvestment by financial institutions. The CRA was enacted to address the issue of redlining, where banks would typically avoid lending to certain neighborhoods, predominantly those inhabited by low-income individuals or minority communities. By promoting community reinvestment, the CRA aims to ensure that banks and financial institutions provide fair and equal access to credit and investment opportunities across all communities, thereby fostering economic development and revitalization in underrepresented areas.

This focus encourages banks to engage in and invest in the communities they serve, supporting housing, business development, and overall economic growth. The CRA motivates financial institutions to develop strategies and programs that cater to the needs of all segments of the population, particularly those who have historically been marginalized.