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What a beautiful tiny house in rural Japan can teach us about the health of cities

Anne Quito

March 20, 2019 |

Quartz |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Japan, Yoshino

A rural Japanese town partnered with AirBnb to create a community home that showcases the community's unique lumber products while bringing tourism into the town. Community members trade off caring for the house, which is made of locally-sourced wood and serves as a focal point for renewal and economic stimulation in the region.

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This free program trains people how to start a business —but without debt

Paul Solman

March 14, 2019 |

PBS NewsHour |

Broadcast TV Programs |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Houston, Texas

A program called the PopUp business school spreads free entrepreneurship advice around the world, enabling people from a spectrum of socioeconomic backgrounds to start their own business with very little initial capital. Though of course not every business becomes a booming success, the course teaches individuals how to invest in their ideas -- with free resources like website design and social media training -- without imposing too much of a financial risk.

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Why History Matters in Equitable Development Planning

Oscar Perry Abello

March 07, 2019 |

Next City |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

A new park plan in Washington, D.C. addresses systemic racism and inequity in current city infrastructure, digging deeper than traditional urban planning landscapes. The new plan takes into account perspectives from minorities and low-income households to ensure the community space is built by the people, for the people - establishing economic justice along the way. This D.C. park plan is helping people purchase homes, finance businesses and get jobs.

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Preparing Main Street for the So-Called ‘Retail Apocalypse'

Larisa Ortiz

March 01, 2019 |

Next City |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Corning, New York

A planning expert dives into responses from cities around the country to the infrastructural red tape faced by many brick-and-mortar retail businesses in the wake of an ecommerce boom. In Corning, NY, city officials created mid-block crosswalks to make navigating retail spaces downtown safer; in Memphis, local government passed a law that allows for light manufacturing in downtown areas to make owning "mom-and-pop" shops more affordable & convenient.

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Second (Science) City No More

Jessica Press

February 28, 2019 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

An investment plan from the University of Pennsylvania promotes the expansion of the science business community throughout the city by funding advanced treatments, education and infrastructure for local health clinics. The investment pilot has lead to newly approved FDA products, corporate sponsorships and, most importantly, the opportunity for young professionals to be able to stay and work in the city.

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Local nonprofit fosters West End growth

Amy Peters

February 28, 2019 |

The Watch |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Nucla, Colorado

With the help of the nonprofit West End Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC), communities in Southwest Colorado use creative financing and collective action to rebuild their economies after the downfall of the coal mining industry. One town, Nucla, invested in a coworking space, business classes. and other tools to help community members start and maintain small businesses.

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San Diego startup launches new way for people to shop

Kalyna Astrinos

February 22, 2019 |

KGTV-TV |

Broadcast TV News |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, San Diego, California

A San Diego startup addresses the vicious debt cycle in America by creating a way for consumers to shop using credit without interest rates, credit checks or late penalties. The startup, called Zebit, acts as "sort of an Amazon for the under-served" and uses a simple sign-up that determines the amount of credit consumers receive for the site and allows shoppers to purchase with 6- to 12-month payment plans.

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Development is booming in Milwaukee Junction, but you might not have noticed it

Patrick Dunn

February 19, 2019 |

Model D |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

Milwaukee Junction, a neighborhood in Detroit, focuses on urban renewal and business promotion as it seeks to become the next "up-and-coming" area in the city. Developers seek out abandoned lots and old auto manufacturing facilities to build space for retailers, restaurants and entertainment centers that bring tourists into the area.

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Confronting Generations of Racial Economic Injustice in Charlotte

Oscar Perry Abello

February 13, 2019 |

Next City |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Charlotte, North Carolina

In an initiative to level the playing field for businesses led by women and people of color, cities and businesses work together to evaluate and address racial and gender disparities in the private sector. By performing studies and creating programs that partner these business with franchises like the NBA, these programs offer opportunities to work past stereotypes and discrimination.

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Making an App to Make a Difference

Tina Rosenberg

February 12, 2019 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

The lack of technology and app solutions for social problems is beginning to change thanks to the help of a growing group of technology accelerators (also called incubators) aimed at tech companies focused on social impact, rather than traditional profit-focused start-ups. Incubators like Blue Ridge Labs, Fast Forward, and Financial Solutions Lab offer capital, connections, and mentorship.

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