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. The FUSE Executive Fellow will develop deep relationships with diverse stakeholders, including city partners, local business owners, corporate and finance leaders, philanthropic organizations,... Read more
Building Wealth in Louisville’s Underserved Neighborhoods with CDFIs
Louisville is working to close significant gaps in capital inflows compared to peer cities. A 2022 study revealed Louisville trails in several key funding areas, including a striking 91.14% deficit in Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) investment flows. FUSE Executive Fellow Vicky Harris will develop a comprehensive strategy to enhance... 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
Catalyzing Bold, Inclusive Affordable Housing Expansion
Albuquerque reflects New Mexico’s remarkable diversity, with nearly 80% of residents identifying as people of color and 10% as people who immigrated. However, residents face significant housing challenges, with single-family home prices increasing 8% last year and nearly 300% over the past generation—far outpacing wage growth. More than one-third of... Read more
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
Home Ownership as Preservation (HOP)
Seattle has experienced dramatic growth over the past decade, becoming one of the fastest-growing large cities in the United States. While this growth presents economic opportunities, rapidly increasing rents and home prices have displaced low-income families to less expensive areas further from the city. The City has recognized that historically... 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