Expanding Solar Energy Access for Low-Income Communities
Phoenix experiences approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, making it one of the most solar-friendly climates in the country. However, many low and middle-income households, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities, face high utility costs due to outdated home infrastructure and limited access to renewable energy solutions. These communities are disproportionately... Read more
Operationalizing the Citywide Transportation Plan
City-wide transportation plans are critical for promoting equal opportunity and improving residents' lives by prioritizing accessibility, resource allocation, health, and community engagement. In Salt Lake City, transportation infrastructure has historically created uneven access to opportunity, with underserved communities, particularly those with high concentrations of populations of color, experiencing inadequate access... 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
Designing IT Systems for Veterans to Thrive
Los Angeles County is home to approximately 281,000 military veterans who, despite their leadership experience and community service mindset, face significant challenges. Compared to civilians, veterans are twice as likely to experience homelessness and suicide, with one in three reporting having been jailed—rates that are even higher for veterans of... 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
Fostering Intergenerational Wealth Through Homeownership
Kansas City faces significant housing challenges, including high vacancy rates (10.5% of housing units) and declining Black homeownership, which has decreased by 2.5% in recent years with fewer than 50% of Black households owning homes. To address these issues, the City's Land Bank is collaborating with the Office of Housing... Read more
Transforming Municipal Property into Affordable Residential Housing Opportunities
Durham, North Carolina has experienced significant growth, with population increasing by 24% between 2010 and 2020 and median home values rising by 59% from 2017 to 2022. These market dynamics have widened existing inequities, with Black household homeownership (42.1%) lagging significantly behind white households (64.6%). To address these disparities, the... Read more
Advancing Public Safety Sensor Technology with Transparency
Columbus is advancing its Comprehensive Neighborhood Safety Strategy 2.0 by incorporating cutting-edge public safety sensor technologies to build stronger, safer neighborhoods through transparency and community collaboration. These technologies—such as real-time cameras, noise sensors, and license plate readers—offer the potential to enhance police response and public safety. However, to ensure responsible... Read more
Monetizing Renewable Energy Investments
In the context of New York City's ambitious environmental goals, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is spearheading initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and divert all waste from landfills by 2030. Key among these efforts is the exploration of renewable energy and resource recovery projects within the water... Read more
Improving Efficiency to Combat Climate Change
In response to the immediate climate change risks facing New York City, particularly in vulnerable communities, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is establishing a Project Management Office (PMO) to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness in addressing environmental challenges. The city is partnering with FUSE to implement this initiative, focusing... Read more