Blogs

Bernalillo County, New Mexico is working to preserve agricultural land and expand access to land-based opportunities. The County is partnering with FUSE for the first time to accomplish this goal, where a FUSE Executive Fellow will spend 12 months developing and implementing strategic recommendations to strengthen landowner-grower connections, enhancing public outreach, and supporting inclusive engagement … Continued

The Spring 2024 Cohort may have concluded earlier this year, but the impact our fellows have made in local communities is ongoing. We are highlighting a couple of standout projects that have made some tangible outcomes for local governments and the residents they serve. Plus, see where our Spring 2024 fellows are now!

FUSE is proud to announce our Spring 2025 cohort of Executive Fellows—an extraordinary group of accomplished professionals poised to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing American cities today. From addressing housing disparities and closing wealth gaps to optimizing infrastructure and improving veterans' services, these fellows bring decades of diverse expertise from the private, public, and social sectors to drive meaningful change in partnership with local governments.

Most people don’t think of local government as fast-moving. But when cities and counties bring in the right partners, they can tackle big problems with surprising speed.

As a FUSE Executive Fellow, I work closely with the Bureau of Street Lighting (BSL) to enhance its community engagement initiatives. With FUSE's support, we recently held an Innovation Lab to ensure community relations continue to be at the forefront of BSL's current and new initiatives.

Although the Fall 2023 Cohort ended last fall, we are reflecting on a few projects that are having a lasting impact on local communities. Plus, see where our Fall 2023 fellows are now!

As a FUSE Executive Fellow, I had the privilege of leading the Innovation Lab for the Community Taylor Yard Equity Strategy (TYES), an initiative by the 100 Acre Partnership and the Los Angeles Regional Open Space and Affordable Housing (LAROSAH).

Located on the Ohio River, Cincinnati is tackling a persistent challenge: energy poverty. Two groundbreaking initiatives, organized and supported by FUSE Executive Fellows Nikki Vandivort and Thanapat Vichitchot, pave the way for systemic change. These projects aren’t just about reducing utility bills; they’re aimed at dismantling deep-rooted inequities and fostering sustainable futures. By tapping into federal resources and nurturing diversity in green jobs, Cincinnati is setting a blueprint for other cities to achieve sustainable and equitable outcomes through innovative public-private collaborations.

YOLANDA R. OWENS (2023—24) is an accomplished professional with a background in civil engineering and contract administration. Recently appointed as the Chief Operating Officer for the Jackson Redevelopment Authority, she is focused on expanding the operational capacity and strategic vision of the organization. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Jackson State University Development Foundation, bringing several years of non-profit fundraising experience to her role. Her corporate and volunteer work spans project management, strategic planning, and capacity building across corporate, higher education, and non-profit sectors. This distinctive skill set positions her to drive impactful initiatives, including her work on the Farish Street Historic District revitalization project.