Fifth District Manufacturing Activity Declined in November

"The Fed benefits from collecting real-time information directly from the communities we serve ... This outreach helps us understand the economy better, as well as anticipate turning points we might otherwise miss."

Tom Barkin

Richmond Fed President

- "Operating with Limited Data", Speech at Shenandoah University, November 18, 2025

Read the full speech >

Who We Are and What We Do

As a regional Reserve Bank, the Richmond Fed works to strengthen the economy and the Fifth District communities we serve by helping to carry out the day-to-day operations of the Fed. Here's how we do it:

Help Keep Banks Safe and Sound

We help make sure banks in our district follow applicable laws and regulations.

Keep Cash and Payments Flowing

We help keep the country’s electronic payment system running and make sure banks have enough cash and coin to do business.

Represent the Regional Economy

We represent our region in national monetary policy discussions that aim to keep prices and employment stable.

Engage in Our Local Communities

We listen and learn from regional voices, and we provide economic education and community development resources in support of a stronger economy for all.

Contribute Specialized Knowledge

We share our unique expertise with the Federal Reserve System, like the work we do to understand and uplift the economies of rural areas and small towns.

Fifth District Manufacturing Activity Declined in November

Who We Are and What We Do

By the Numbers