Our policy research is informed by our commitment to policies that promote equity, sustainability, and efficient democratic government. We focus on concrete, implementable recommendations for mayors and city leaders.
By Topic
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Maximizing Impact: Innovative Ways for City Leaders to Use Remaining ARPA Funding. Mayors Innovation Project.The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Biden in spring 2021, was designed to provide direct funding to cities, towns, and villages to help them respond to and recover from the impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic. Since that time, cities have responded to this unprecedented direct funding with a slew of innovative programs designed to invest in long term resilience and to support sectors and communities particularly impacted by the pandemic. This article highlights some of the most innovative uses of ARPA funding, including the expansion of affordable housing, investments in digital equity, and workforce training.
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Good Ideas for Cities: Creative Tactics Cities Are Using to Address the Child Care Shortage. Mayors Innovation Project.Child care in America has long had issues as costs are steep for providers and parents. In most US states, child care costs exceed the cost of college tuition. This article shares how cities and local governments are implementing innovative ways to make child care more affordable and accessible.
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Good Ideas for Cities: Welcoming and Protecting Immigrants. Mayors Innovation Project.In celebration of National Welcoming Week, a time to celebrate the diversity of communities and commit to making cities safe, welcoming, and inclusive places where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, this article provides best practices for local governments to support and protect immigrant communities.
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Good Ideas for Cities: Combating Extreme Heat. Mayors Innovation Project.The summer of 2024 was one of the hottest on record, and cities across the country are feeling the heat. Hot days are becoming hotter and more frequent. Yet, cities are working to combat heat in innovative ways. From Phoenix’s cool pavement to Cleveland’s Community Forestry Corps Program, this article highlights how cities are taking action to beat the heat and create cooler, safer, more sustainable cities.
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Good Ideas for Cities: Wage Theft. Mayors Innovation Project.Across the country, workers in many industries face wage theft in one form or another. When looking towards accountability, agencies at all levels are often impeded by state-level preemptive laws that prevent local governments from enacting ordinances that would guarantee fair labor practices and access to secure wages. Though many cities face this barrier, there are still a number of effective strategies that local leaders can implement to combat wage theft.
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