RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond has created a community council to help shape its policy decisions.

The new Community Investment Council will inform the Richmond Fed on emerging issues and trends in communities across its district, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and communities.

The Fed announced the new, 12-member council on Tuesday. It says information from the council will be used to help shape policy decisions and contribute to its strategic direction. Council members include leaders from both rural and urban communities that the Fed says understand the challenges to and opportunities for local economic growth.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond serves Washington, D.C., Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and most of West Virginia.

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