Fall 2025: Expanding Access to Capital for Small Businesses
The City of Baltimore is working to expand access to capital for small businesses, with a focus on historically underserved communities, to address longstanding funding challenges and promote sustainable economic growth. The FUSE Executive Fellow will develop strategic recommendations to improve financial accessibility, strengthen partnerships with lenders, and design innovative... Read more
Fall 2025: Scaling City-Affiliated Nonprofit for NYC Small Business Growth
New York City is working to expand the capacity of the New York Business Assistance Corporation (NYBAC), an affiliated nonprofit of their Department of Small Business Services (SBS) division that supports small business and workforce development through philanthropic partnerships. The FUSE Executive Fellow will develop a strategic plan, revise the... Read more
Fall 2025: 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. The FUSE Executive Fellow will work with a team of content experts to... Read more
Pursuing Restorative Justice through Housing
Boston’s Mayor’s Office of Housing is working to close the wealth gap through multiple strategies, including creating and preserving affordable housing, supporting homeowners and renters, providing housing services to homeless individuals, and developing city-owned property. The City has adopted several approaches to help low and moderate-income families become homeowners, including... Read more
Sparking Community-Led Investments in Under-invested Neighborhoods
Boston's Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion is exploring innovative approaches to catalyze investment in underserved areas, with a focus on preventing displacement and creating economic opportunity. FUSE Executive Fellow Brittany Hume Charm will develop deep relationships with diverse stakeholders, including city partners, local business owners, corporate and finance leaders,... Read more
Expanding Homeownership Resources to Equitably Build Generational Wealth
Baltimore’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is working to overcome the legacy of past housing policies and ongoing housing challenges that have left marginalized communities with limited pathways to property ownership. The Executive Fellow will design and implement a homeownership coaching strategy for underserved communities, beginning with a... Read more
Optimizing Project Management Design and a Culture of Continuous Improvement to Enhance Climate Resilience
New York City's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for managing the city's water supply, stormwater systems, and pollution control infrastructure to create a more climate-resilient future. As climate change threats intensify and the department continues to grow, DEP is seeking to improve internal operations, enhance project efficiency, and... Read more
Strengthening Affordable Homeownership Opportunities through Limited Equity Cooperatives
Limited Equity Cooperatives (LECs) are a form of affordable homeownership where residents collectively own their housing and agree to limit resale prices, thereby preserving long-term affordability for future generations. These cooperatives are particularly vital in Washington, D.C., where rapidly rising housing costs and historical housing policies have disproportionately displaced Black,... Read more
Leveraging Technology to Modernize Environmental Protection in NYC
NYC's Department of Environmental Protection faces growing challenges in providing essential services due to aging infrastructure and climate change impacts, which disproportionately affect low-income residents and communities of color. These populations experience greater vulnerability to service disruptions, water quality issues, and flooding, widening existing socioeconomic disparities. While DEP has begun... Read more
Strengthening Immigrant and Historically Disadvantaged Small Business Ownership and Generational Wealth-Building
Philadelphia’s immigrant-owned small businesses play a crucial role in the city’s economy, accounting for over a third of businesses in commercial corridors. Despite their economic significance, these business owners face substantial barriers to building long-term wealth, including limited access to business succession planning resources and challenges in acquiring the commercial... Read more