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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To build a brighter future for babies—in part by combating high rates of obesity, food insecurity, and childhood poverty—the City of Champaign and Champaign Township partnered with Champaign-Urbana City Farms (CU City Farms) to create a Mobile Food Market. Since its launch in September 2020, the Mobile Food Market distributed more than 5,000 pounds of organic, locally grown produce, organic baby food, diapers and formula—free of charge—to more than 1,000 community members.
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Many schoolyards are underutilized spaces and have much more to offer our children through natural experiences, learning, and revitalization. Phoenix City staff, Arizona State University (ASU) researchers, and school leaders started a green infrastructure project by planting “vegetative barriers”—otherwise known as trees and shrubs—at a childcare center and K-8 school in South Phoenix. The goal was to reduce exposures to traffic-related air pollution, toxics, and other ambient hazards like extreme heat.
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Norman, Oklahoma is home to just under 125,000 residents, as well as the state’s largest university. While the city is full of the usual campus activity, it also includes a wide range of household incomes. COVID-19 increased the number of families with diminished income. Many of these families became eligible for existing social support services, but weren’t aware of available resources. With connection to services, children and families could have additional access to healthy food (via WIC and SNAP programs) and resources to provide transportation and information about reducing neurotoxic exposures at home.
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Wilkinsburg, PA has one of the highest infant mortality rates in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County, with a striking difference in mortality rates for Black and white babies. And 6.1% of children had elevated blood lead levels as estimated by the Allegheny Health Department. Community partners began working across sectors to ensure that every baby is born into a healthy community that enables them to thrive and reach their full potential using an evidence-based model called the Best Babies Zone.
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Salt Lake City is tackling issues of fresh and healthy food availability via the Resident Food Equity Advisors. Its goal is to help create an equitable community food system that increases access to healthy, organic, and culturally relevant foods for historically underrepresented and underserved communities. Over the course of a year, the Advisors worked in partnership with City staff to voice their concerns and help shape the City’s food policy agenda.