Blogs

It’s never been more critical for local governments to be in constant communication with their constituents, responding to challenges that arise from the fast-changing COVID-19 crisis, while helping people prepare for the abrupt and longer term disruptions playing out across the country. How can government agency staff share information and collect critical data during social … Continued

Transportation is in a constant state of change: ride sharing, autonomous vehicles, electric bicycles, scooters, transportation apps, streets closed to traffic, limited on-street parking, tolls for city streets. It’s all happening. Amidst this tsunami of change — and the added pressure on government budgets due to the COVID-19 pandemic — cities must keep up or … Continued

Across the country, as the COVID-19 crisis continues to take its toll on communities, FUSE fellows are providing critical support to government agencies in whatever capacity is needed. Many of our fellows and alumni have been mobilized to help with both the public health crisis and its economic fallout. Here are just a few of … Continued

In cities and counties across the country, agencies providing health and human services are working around the clock to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their work comes as communities increasingly depend on their guidance and services, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly, youths, and people experiencing homelessness. Agency leaders have had to track the … Continued

Thelà Thatch (2017-18) is a human resources consultant who is using her expertise in a number of ways, from coaching other human resources consultants to serving as a local elected official to volunteering with various organizations and committees. As a FUSE fellow, she helped the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and Office of … Continued

Small businesses across the country are reeling from citywide shutdowns to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. According to a Goldman Sachs survey of more than 1,500 small business owners, only half will be able to operate up to three months in the face of store closures. Other sobering stats: 96 percent reported their businesses have … Continued

This FUSE-produced story was originally published on Next City. The disparities in access to education have led to dismal outcomes. Students who drop out of high school or college are disproportionately low income, particularly students of color; black and Hispanic students are 12 and 9 percent  less likely than their white peers to graduate from high … Continued

Dawn Comer (2017-18) is the broadband and digital inclusion coordinator in the Los Angeles Information Technology Agency (ITA), where she is working to provide Angelenos with digital connectivity and access, as well as digital literacy training. As a FUSE fellow, Dawn helped ITA develop a strategic smart cities plan to improve services through data and … Continued

This FUSE-produced story was originally published on Next City. Up until last year, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) was facing a critical challenge. Every year, 15,000 to 20,000 patients served by DHS were receiving treatment in other facilities, resulting in suboptimal patient experiences and increased cost to the county. One of … Continued