Building a Bridge to Affordability for Working Americans
Chicago businesses and nonprofit groups have teamed up to develop an affordable emergency loan program that helps working adults build credit.
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Big ideas, bold solutions. Explore the latest research, analysis, and policy insights from our experts.
What’s In Your Wallet? If You’re a Parent, It Should Be a Library Card.
Sarah Gilliland shares how libraries are resource-rich spaces for families with kids—and how they can be even more accessible.
Lake County, Illinois Residents and Planners Convene on Climate Migration Preparedness
New America will Host a Scenario Planning Session in North Chicago on Climate Migration and Housing Affordability.
Changing the Narrative on Child Care and Early Education
Through reporting grants, the Better Life Lab supports storytellers to spotlight child care solutions in the national conversation.
Finding a Path: Mapping the Eviction Support System in Cook County
To better understand gaps in support, we mapped the routes someone may go through to get assistance before, during, and after the eviction process.
The ROAD to Housing: Better Governance for Better Housing
Four experts weigh in: disaster recovery, HUD oversight, de novo bank formation, and FHA/small-balance mortgage reforms in the ROAD Act.
The ROAD to Housing: Easing the Housing Supply
Housing leaders react to the ROAD Act's supply-side fixes—chassis rules, small-dollar mortgages, HOME reauthorization, and more.
The ROAD to Housing: Rental Affordability and Housing Stability
Four housing policy leaders react to the ROAD Act's wins and losses regarding rental affordability, housing stability, and youth homelessness.
Calling Care Storytellers: New Reporting Grants to Amplify Caregiving Stories
Better Life Lab’s reporting grants equip journalists and writers to tell powerful stories about care solutions.
Safe People, Safe Places, Safe Services: How Parents of Young Children See Safety
Families define “safety” through more than crime statistics, but unequal resources shape who can act on it.
Telling Stories of Care through Video: A Resource for Reporters and Storytellers
Better Life Lab’s storytelling experts offer a quick resource for care reporters on how to create a teaser video for their stories.
Home Repair is a Critical Housing Supply Strategy
Discusses proactive code enforcement and home repair as upstream strategies to preserve existing housing supply.
Tackling Housing Insecurity in Los Angeles
A practical five-step framework for reducing housing insecurity in Los Angeles, from permitting reform to investing in people.
NYC’s PIT Crew Is Codifying How Government Should Work
New York City’s PIT Crew is an example of bringing people into the loop of tech and governance.
Self-Determination or Security: Why Should Gig Workers Have to Choose?
Chicago gig workers in North Lawndale share the benefits of gig work and the policy changes that would make their working lives easier.