Strengthening Phoenix’s Local Food Economy and Innovation
Beginning in October 2025, FUSE Executive Fellow Adrian Wilton will collaborate with Phoenix’s Office of Environmental Programs to strengthen the city’s local food ecosystem and embed food systems thinking into sustainable development practices. Wilton will begin with a comprehensive food supply chain study to assess what is grown and consumed... Read more
Advancing Community Empowerment Through Solar Energy Access
Tucson and FUSE are expanding access to clean energy for low-income households, enabling families to lower their costs and build resilience in a warming climate. Energy burdens fall hardest on households with limited resources and on homes that require energy efficiency upgrades. Expanding access to rooftop solar and related improvements... Read more
Transforming Public Housing for Sustainability and Climate Resilience
Tucson and FUSE are modernizing public housing to reduce utility costs, enhance comfort, and safeguard residents from extreme heat. Residents in public housing are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, especially during prolonged periods of extreme heat. Upgrading buildings with energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and water conservation... Read more
Advancing Decarceration Through Community-Based Care Facilities and Operations
Los Angeles County and FUSE are planning the facilities and operations needed to close an aging jail while expanding community-based alternatives that prioritize care. Moving away from incarceration and toward care requires new infrastructure, careful coordination, and deep collaboration with community. The County is advancing operational plans that support safe... Read more
Advancing Economic Mobility Through Housing Access
Austin, Texas, is working to enhance its housing programs to advance economic mobility and expand access to long-term financial opportunities for all residents. FUSE Executive Fellow Lasandra Barksdale will develop data-driven strategies to evaluate program effectiveness, strengthen housing initiatives, and explore sustainable financing models to support first-time homebuyers and income-restricted... Read more
Expanding Affordable Housing through Strategic Development
Birmingham, Alabama, is working to expand high-quality, affordable housing to promote economic mobility and community revitalization. The FUSE Executive Fellow will develop a strategic framework, strengthen partnerships, and implement pilot projects to accelerate housing development through the Magic City Housing Development Corporation. Ultimately, this work will increase housing accessibility, attract... Read more
Transforming Housing Access: Cleveland’s Comprehensive Plan for Renewal
The City of Cleveland, in partnership with FUSE, plans to review and refine its 10-year housing plan, titled “Cleveland 2030: A Housing Equity Plan,” to move beyond just addressing housing shortages and foster accessible homeownership growth among underrepresented populations. Ultimately, this initiative will contribute to sustainable community development that creates... Read more
Catalyzing Economic Opportunity in Complex Housing Benefits Landscapes
Fresno Housing and FUSE are integrating financial empowerment and workforce pathways into resident services, enabling families to build stability without losing vital support. Navigating public benefits while pursuing higher wages or education can be complicated for households working to improve their financial footing. Residents often require coordinated guidance, practical tools,... Read more
Expanding Affordable Housing Supply for First-Time Homebuyers
The City of Philadelphia is working to expand comprehensive first-time homeownership opportunities and increase housing supply through multiple innovative housing programs, such as the Turn the Key Neighborhoods Program, which transforms vacant, city-owned lots into affordable homes. FUSE Executive Fellow Christine Behr will collaborate with a team of content experts... Read more
Empowering Atlanta’s Housing Future
Atlanta faces significant housing challenges that disproportionately impact underserved communities, particularly communities of color. Rising housing costs and limited access to financial resources have created barriers to homeownership, with Black families experiencing a 50% lower homeownership rate compared to white families due to historical lending practices and lack of targeted... Read more