Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 392 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

Can Government Play Moneyball?

David Bornstein

April 16, 2014 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

The pressure is on for the federal government to spend tax money more wisely. Evidence-based policy making is gaining in popularity as a way for the government to spend tax money wisely. While not quite as flashy or exciting as past ways, this has a proven track record of positive impact.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Can Free College Save American Cities?

Cassie Walker Burke

April 03, 2014 |

Politico |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Huge numbers of students lack the chance to go to college because of financial problems. Recently, Kalamazoo schools received more funding allowing them to have the chance to help and pay for students to then go to college and receive a higher education.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Dealing with blight complaints requires new approach, Memphis says

Greg Barnes

February 22, 2014 |

Fayetteville Observer |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Memphis, Tennessee

In Memphis, a creative blight-reduction initiative called 25 Square Blocks broke down the city into blocks. Inspectors were able to quickly identify all the violations and fix them, using the same amount of funding, but less time, as the old call-and-respond model.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Preparing for Disaster by Betting Against It

Georgia Levenson Keohane

February 12, 2014 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, necessity has bred an interesting kind of financial invention for the New York MTA: the world’s first “catastrophe” bond - a reinsurance for the insurer - designed to protect public transportation infrastructure, specifically against storm surge. These bonds privatize risk for public gain, creating a kind of tool that may protect economic development against all kinds of natural and man-made disasters around the world.

Read More
Go to Original Story
In the Long War on Poverty, Small Victories That Matter

David Bornstein

January 08, 2014 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

A panoply of responses to poverty has emerged to address poverty in the United States and abroad. The responses share in three key tactics: Measuring impact, paying for success, and collaboration.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Living-wage' movement growing in region

Margot Roosevelt

September 01, 2013 |

Orange County Register |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Long Beach, California

In the past five years, as federal and state minimum wage levels failed to keep pace with the cost of living, and as the recession took its toll, the living wage movement has accelerated. Across the United States, more than 125 cities and counties have enacted ordinances or passed ballot initiatives to lift the wages of the working poor.

Read More
Go to Original Story
The Benefits of Cash Without Conditions

Tina Rosenberg

August 28, 2013 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Kenya

Conditional cash transfers – giving the poor money if they do things that will make their children less poor, such as keep them in school – are the world’s most successful and widespread social program. Could it be possible, however, that the conditions aren’t necessary – just giving the poor money works just as well? In some circumstances, the answer seems to be yes.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Detroit Businesses See Opportunity In Bankruptcy

Sarah Hulett

June 20, 2013 |

NPR |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

In Detroit, many business owners and the city itself hope that filing for bankruptcy will help the city start fresh and ultimately become a thriving urban center, mirroring other cities that recovered from near financial ruin.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Avoiding the Curse of the Oil-Rich Nations

Tina Rosenberg

February 13, 2013 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Alaska

Alaska has created a way for residents to financially benefit from the state's dependence on oil revenues. By giving residents a yearly portion of the revenue, the state has been able to see positive effects from an often conflict-ridden industry.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Out of Prison, Into a Vicious Circle of Debt

Tina Rosenberg

June 09, 2011 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

Many offenders get out of jail owing hundreds or thousands of dollars in court and parole fees but face barriers to financing and job acquisition, sticking them in a punitive, vicious cycle of debt and arrest. A program called the Clapham Set, perhaps paired with conditional cash transfers - may be a solution, as it erases fees for felons who complete rehab and job training upon release.

Read More
Go to Original Story