Advancing Economic Opportunity through Place-Based Resilience Strategies
Austin, Texas, is working to implement economic resilience strategies that address longstanding disparities in access to opportunity and small business support across its communities. FUSE Executive Fellow Sandy Eapen will help the city pilot and scale these strategies by coordinating cross-sector efforts and developing tools for long-term implementation and sustainability.... 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 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. FUSE Executive Fellow Lolita Jackmon will develop strategic recommendations to improve financial accessibility, strengthen partnerships with lenders, and design... 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
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
Empowering Small Developers and Driving Entrepreneurship
The Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government (LMG) is addressing economic inequality through a targeted approach to foster entrepreneurship and real estate development within underserved communities. FUSE Executive Fellow Johnetta Roberts will lead a comprehensive assessment of the small developer landscape in Louisville, conducting listening sessions with stakeholders across local government, nonprofits,... 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