USDA Launches Lender Lens Dashboard

New tool improves transparency of rural loan investments nationwide

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has introduced a new data tool called Lender Lens, now available through the Rural Data Gateway. The dashboard provides public access to USDA Rural Development’s full commercial guaranteed loan portfolio. 

Lender Lens is designed to help communities, borrowers, and lenders better understand how federal loan guarantees are being used in rural areas. The dashboard presents information through clear and simple data visualizations. Users can view total loan volume, average loan size, sector breakdowns, geographic coverage, and delinquency rates across the country. 

The data is refreshed every month and can be downloaded to the individual loan level. This allows lenders and rural stakeholders to track trends, monitor performance, and manage loan portfolios more effectively. The tool offers an at-a-glance view of how investments are supporting rural economies. 

“The Trump Administration knows that the American public values the importance of government data transparency. The Lender Lens will highlight where USDA has expanded access to capital for businesses and rural communities who need it most and demonstrate how Rural Development funds are being used across rural America,” said Stephen Vaden, USDA Deputy Secretary.  

“It will help rural stakeholders see where investments are being made to expand or improve access to health care, save and create jobs and provide safe drinking water in their communities,” said Vaden. 

The Rural Data Gateway was first developed in 2023 to help USDA better direct resources to areas of greatest need. It serves rural residents, business owners, local governments, and community leaders by showing where investments have been made. 

Currently, the Gateway includes dashboards covering more than 80 Rural Development programs. These tools highlight investments made over the past decade and allow users to review data by state, county, and congressional district. 

Lender Lens supports USDA’s mission to expand public access to federal data under the Open, Public, Electronic, and Necessary Government Data Act of 2018. The new dashboard strengthens accountability while helping rural America better understand how development funds are used. 

Photo Credit: usda