Urban Institute
@urbaninstitute.bsky.social
The Urban Institute is a research-to-impact institution founded on one simple idea: To improve lives and strengthen communities, we need practices and policies that work.
For people + #communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system, quick access to #legal counsel can prevent unnecessary legal involvement. A new Catalyst Grant blog shares how The Bronx Defenders (BxD) used #tech solutions to improve early defense access.
Using Technology to Improve Early Defense
Communities that are disproportionately affected by the criminal legal system often need more support throughout complicated court processes.
urbn.is
December 2, 2025 at 6:19 PM
For people + #communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system, quick access to #legal counsel can prevent unnecessary legal involvement. A new Catalyst Grant blog shares how The Bronx Defenders (BxD) used #tech solutions to improve early defense access.
Americans' charitable giving patterns have always been in a state of flux, reflecting new social, economic, cultural, and technological trends.
Urban experts collected and organized #data into a giving dashboard that provides a snapshot of the many ways Americans give. Learn more on #GivingTuesday.
Urban experts collected and organized #data into a giving dashboard that provides a snapshot of the many ways Americans give. Learn more on #GivingTuesday.
Giving Dashboard
We have collected and organized data into a giving dashboard that provides a snapshot of the many ways Americans give.
urbn.is
December 2, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Americans' charitable giving patterns have always been in a state of flux, reflecting new social, economic, cultural, and technological trends.
Urban experts collected and organized #data into a giving dashboard that provides a snapshot of the many ways Americans give. Learn more on #GivingTuesday.
Urban experts collected and organized #data into a giving dashboard that provides a snapshot of the many ways Americans give. Learn more on #GivingTuesday.
Join the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program and Urban on 12/4 @ 2 p.m. ET for a #webinar on Trump Accounts—a new federal #policy coming in 2026. Learn how philanthropy, state and local governments, and employers can help low/moderate-income households benefit. #LiveatUrban
How Can Trump Accounts Build Wealth for Low- and Moderate-Income Households?
What we know about the new policy that will reach households in 2026—and what philanthropy, state and local governments, and employers can do to make sure low- and moderate-income households benefit.
www.aspeninstitute.org
December 1, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Join the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program and Urban on 12/4 @ 2 p.m. ET for a #webinar on Trump Accounts—a new federal #policy coming in 2026. Learn how philanthropy, state and local governments, and employers can help low/moderate-income households benefit. #LiveatUrban
Oklahoma did not participate in the Summer EBT program in 2024—but Cherokee, Chickasaw, & Muscogee (Creek) Nations stepped in to support #children in #tribal and nontribal #families. Urban’s research explores challenges, lessons, and future considerations. https://urbn.is/4onQTY9
November 28, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Oklahoma did not participate in the Summer EBT program in 2024—but Cherokee, Chickasaw, & Muscogee (Creek) Nations stepped in to support #children in #tribal and nontribal #families. Urban’s research explores challenges, lessons, and future considerations. https://urbn.is/4onQTY9
Rising costs of living are pushing US #families to dip into savings—but not everyone has that cushion. Urban's updated #Financial Health and Wealth Dashboard can help local #leaders understand residents’ finances, resilience, and upward mobility opportunities. https://urbn.is/3XfgTKj
As Residents Struggle with Rising Costs, Local Leaders Can Help Them Build a Cushion of Wealth
As the cost of living rises nationally, local leaders need, more than ever, data on the financial health of their residents to ensure they have the wealth to…
urbn.is
November 28, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Rising costs of living are pushing US #families to dip into savings—but not everyone has that cushion. Urban's updated #Financial Health and Wealth Dashboard can help local #leaders understand residents’ finances, resilience, and upward mobility opportunities. https://urbn.is/3XfgTKj
How can local leaders advance Black prosperity in their #communities?
Join Urban on 12/17 @ 12 p.m. ET for a virtual convening on innovative policies, community-driven initiatives, & cross-sector strategies that #cities can implement to foster Black prosperity. https://urbn.is/4rmNJqb #LiveatUrban
Join Urban on 12/17 @ 12 p.m. ET for a virtual convening on innovative policies, community-driven initiatives, & cross-sector strategies that #cities can implement to foster Black prosperity. https://urbn.is/4rmNJqb #LiveatUrban
Unlocking Black Prosperity: Advancing Wealth through Small Businesses, Asset Development, and Community Investment
Across the country, local leaders are driving bold, data-driven strategies to build inclusive economies and advance Black prosperity. A key pillar of this wo…
urbn.is
November 26, 2025 at 3:47 PM
How can local leaders advance Black prosperity in their #communities?
Join Urban on 12/17 @ 12 p.m. ET for a virtual convening on innovative policies, community-driven initiatives, & cross-sector strategies that #cities can implement to foster Black prosperity. https://urbn.is/4rmNJqb #LiveatUrban
Join Urban on 12/17 @ 12 p.m. ET for a virtual convening on innovative policies, community-driven initiatives, & cross-sector strategies that #cities can implement to foster Black prosperity. https://urbn.is/4rmNJqb #LiveatUrban
Less than half of food-insecure adults know where to get free groceries or meals—and only 1 in 3 feel comfortable seeking help. Urban’s #research explores barriers to accessing charitable #food in 2024 using #data from the Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey. https://urbn.is/43P941s
November 25, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Less than half of food-insecure adults know where to get free groceries or meals—and only 1 in 3 feel comfortable seeking help. Urban’s #research explores barriers to accessing charitable #food in 2024 using #data from the Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey. https://urbn.is/43P941s
Join Urban on 12/2 @ 12:30 p.m. ET for a hybrid event on how changemakers can get income-boosting state #tax benefits into the hands of all eligible residents, featuring convos w/ MD Comptroller @brookelierman.bsky.social, Urban President Sarah Rosen Wartell, @hoyer.house.gov, & others. #LiveatUrban
Improving Access to State Tax Credits through Research to Action
Join Maryland comptroller Brooke Lierman, US Representative Steny Hoyer, and leading experts as we discuss how changemakers can get income-boosting state tax…
www.urban.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Join Urban on 12/2 @ 12:30 p.m. ET for a hybrid event on how changemakers can get income-boosting state #tax benefits into the hands of all eligible residents, featuring convos w/ MD Comptroller @brookelierman.bsky.social, Urban President Sarah Rosen Wartell, @hoyer.house.gov, & others. #LiveatUrban
Join Urban on 12/10 @ 1:00 p.m. ET for a virtual workshop on how local leaders can use #data for strategic decisionmaking in their #communities, drawing on guidance from the Toolkit for Increasing Upward Mobility.
Register now. https://urbn.is/3LQlYGx
#LiveatUrban
Register now. https://urbn.is/3LQlYGx
#LiveatUrban
Virtual Workshop: Using Data to Inform Strategic Priorities in Your Community
To expand opportunity and well-being for residents, local leaders need the right data and the skills to put the data into action. This session will help participants identify the most relevant data so...
urbn.is
November 24, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Join Urban on 12/10 @ 1:00 p.m. ET for a virtual workshop on how local leaders can use #data for strategic decisionmaking in their #communities, drawing on guidance from the Toolkit for Increasing Upward Mobility.
Register now. https://urbn.is/3LQlYGx
#LiveatUrban
Register now. https://urbn.is/3LQlYGx
#LiveatUrban
A new Urban Institute analysis shows that early childhood #mentalhealth consultation (ECMHC) supports both #families and educators. Explore insights from Colorado #childcare providers on how it works this Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month.
Strengthening Family Engagement through Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
This brief examines Colorado providers’ reflections on how consultation influences communication and collaboration with families, offering insights into how …
urbn.is
November 24, 2025 at 4:52 PM
A new Urban Institute analysis shows that early childhood #mentalhealth consultation (ECMHC) supports both #families and educators. Explore insights from Colorado #childcare providers on how it works this Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month.
Evidence shows that pairing a strong #Medicaid program with affordable #housing options is essential to help address the #homelessness crisis. In this Urban Wire article, research experts share how specific policy updates could exacerbate existing challenges.
Medicaid Is Essential for Addressing the Homelessness Crisis. The Reconciliation Bill Would Make It Worse.
Medicaid has been essential for scaling supportive housing models that increase access to treatment and recovery for people experiencing homelessness, but th…
urbn.is
November 21, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Evidence shows that pairing a strong #Medicaid program with affordable #housing options is essential to help address the #homelessness crisis. In this Urban Wire article, research experts share how specific policy updates could exacerbate existing challenges.
As part of @rwjf.org and Urban’s Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program, six organizations are collecting local #data and elevating community voices to address transit access and #transportation safety in their #communities. Learn more in this new blog post. @caasanfrancisco.bsky.social
Using Local Data to Reshape Transportation Access and Safety
How six organizations are collecting data and elevating community voice as they address barriers to safe and accessible transportation.
localdataforequitablecommunities.org
November 21, 2025 at 6:59 PM
As part of @rwjf.org and Urban’s Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program, six organizations are collecting local #data and elevating community voices to address transit access and #transportation safety in their #communities. Learn more in this new blog post. @caasanfrancisco.bsky.social
There's still time to register!
Join the Urban Institute, the DC Education Research Collaborative, and partners on 12/12 @ 10:00 a.m. ET for an in-person #event on the first year of the Career Development Opportunities in #DC Public Schools study. #LiveatUrban
Join the Urban Institute, the DC Education Research Collaborative, and partners on 12/12 @ 10:00 a.m. ET for an in-person #event on the first year of the Career Development Opportunities in #DC Public Schools study. #LiveatUrban
Exploring the Landscape of Career Development Opportunities in Washington, DC, Public Schools
Join the DC Education Research Collaborative—in partnership with District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and researchers from the Urban Institute, D.C. Po…
urbn.is
November 20, 2025 at 9:08 PM
There's still time to register!
Join the Urban Institute, the DC Education Research Collaborative, and partners on 12/12 @ 10:00 a.m. ET for an in-person #event on the first year of the Career Development Opportunities in #DC Public Schools study. #LiveatUrban
Join the Urban Institute, the DC Education Research Collaborative, and partners on 12/12 @ 10:00 a.m. ET for an in-person #event on the first year of the Career Development Opportunities in #DC Public Schools study. #LiveatUrban
Credit can open doors—but #debt hits young adults (18-24) the hardest. As the third part in a series on #affordability and financial health in the US, Urban's map update provides leaders with county and state-level #data on credit card, medical, student loan debt, and more. https://urbn.is/47QG7EP
November 20, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Credit can open doors—but #debt hits young adults (18-24) the hardest. As the third part in a series on #affordability and financial health in the US, Urban's map update provides leaders with county and state-level #data on credit card, medical, student loan debt, and more. https://urbn.is/47QG7EP
Today, Urban Institute senior fellow Jason Levitis testified at a Senate Finance Committee hearing on addressing the affordability cliff and the costs of #healthcare. See what the #research shows on how losing #ACA enhanced PTCs will impact coverage for millions.
Statement of Jason Levitis Before the Senate Finance Committee
In his testimony, entitled "The 2026 Health Care Affordability Cliff and the Costs of Health Care Complexity," Levitis discussed how the Marketplace pr…
urbn.is
November 19, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Today, Urban Institute senior fellow Jason Levitis testified at a Senate Finance Committee hearing on addressing the affordability cliff and the costs of #healthcare. See what the #research shows on how losing #ACA enhanced PTCs will impact coverage for millions.
Research completed Urban and other experts shows why Housing First interventions are still the best way to help people exit #homelessness. Learn more about why #policymakers should consider investing in evidence-backed solutions, such as permanent supportive #housing, in this Housing Matters post.
Housing First Is Still the Best Approach to Ending Homelessness
Misconceptions about Housing First ignore decades of evidence of its effectiveness. To end homelessness, policymakers should invest in evidence-backed solutions, such as permanent supportive housing.
urbn.is
November 19, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Research completed Urban and other experts shows why Housing First interventions are still the best way to help people exit #homelessness. Learn more about why #policymakers should consider investing in evidence-backed solutions, such as permanent supportive #housing, in this Housing Matters post.
Join Urban and Georgetown Law on 11/20 @ 12 p.m. ET for a #webinar, Worker Protections, Civil Rights and Health Equity. Featuring remarks from Urban’s Brian Smedley, experts will explore challenges, strategies, and interdisciplinary approaches to advance #health justice. https://urbn.is/4a0dPsM
November 19, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Join Urban and Georgetown Law on 11/20 @ 12 p.m. ET for a #webinar, Worker Protections, Civil Rights and Health Equity. Featuring remarks from Urban’s Brian Smedley, experts will explore challenges, strategies, and interdisciplinary approaches to advance #health justice. https://urbn.is/4a0dPsM
Does #SNAP cover the cost of a meal in your county?
Evidence shows that the maximum SNAP benefit often falls short of covering a modest meal, leaving many families vulnerable to #foodinsecurity. Explore county-level #data with Urban’s interactive tool.
Evidence shows that the maximum SNAP benefit often falls short of covering a modest meal, leaving many families vulnerable to #foodinsecurity. Explore county-level #data with Urban’s interactive tool.
Does SNAP Cover the Cost of a Meal in Your County?
Amid inflation, SNAP benefits did not cover the cost of a meal in 99 percent of counties in 2022. Adjustments to SNAP narrowed—but didn’t close—that gap.
urbn.is
November 18, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Does #SNAP cover the cost of a meal in your county?
Evidence shows that the maximum SNAP benefit often falls short of covering a modest meal, leaving many families vulnerable to #foodinsecurity. Explore county-level #data with Urban’s interactive tool.
Evidence shows that the maximum SNAP benefit often falls short of covering a modest meal, leaving many families vulnerable to #foodinsecurity. Explore county-level #data with Urban’s interactive tool.
Service corps have been shown to help #youth gain skills and connect to new #infrastructure careers. A new Urban Institute analysis finds that #workforce corps serving opportunity youth likely deliver strong ROIs. Read more.
Service Corps Programs That Connect Opportunity Youth to Infrastructure Jobs Potentially Yield High Returns on Investment
A new analysis finds workforce corps serving opportunity youth likely also have high returns on investment. At a time of corps funding cuts and when policyma…
urbn.is
November 17, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Service corps have been shown to help #youth gain skills and connect to new #infrastructure careers. A new Urban Institute analysis finds that #workforce corps serving opportunity youth likely deliver strong ROIs. Read more.
How can local leaders help children and young people access stable #housing and boost upward mobility?
In this Urban Wire article, experts share insights on youth #homelessness and practical #policy solutions using county-level data. Learn more this Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week.
In this Urban Wire article, experts share insights on youth #homelessness and practical #policy solutions using county-level data. Learn more this Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week.
More Affordable and Available Housing Would Mean Fewer Children and Young People Experiencing Homelessness
To reduce the number of students experiencing homelessness and promote upward mobility for children and young people, local leaders should focus on the root …
urbn.is
November 17, 2025 at 5:08 PM
How can local leaders help children and young people access stable #housing and boost upward mobility?
In this Urban Wire article, experts share insights on youth #homelessness and practical #policy solutions using county-level data. Learn more this Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week.
In this Urban Wire article, experts share insights on youth #homelessness and practical #policy solutions using county-level data. Learn more this Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week.
While the surge in generative #AI is boosting economies, it’s also straining energy grids, raising costs, and sparking #community concerns.
What can local #leaders do? Henrico County, Virginia, offers a creative solution tackling two local issues at once. Learn more in this Urban Wire article.
What can local #leaders do? Henrico County, Virginia, offers a creative solution tackling two local issues at once. Learn more in this Urban Wire article.
Turning Data Center Revenues into Affordable Homes
As data centers see a surge in demand because of generative AI, Henrico County, Virginia, shows how local governments can turn the economic gains of this new…
urbn.is
November 14, 2025 at 8:48 PM
While the surge in generative #AI is boosting economies, it’s also straining energy grids, raising costs, and sparking #community concerns.
What can local #leaders do? Henrico County, Virginia, offers a creative solution tackling two local issues at once. Learn more in this Urban Wire article.
What can local #leaders do? Henrico County, Virginia, offers a creative solution tackling two local issues at once. Learn more in this Urban Wire article.
#Caregivers impacted by homicide & incarceration often lack support—and their voices are often missing in local #policy discussions. Boston’s WAB2G project used listening sessions to help change that.
Learn more in a new Catalyst Grant Program blog post.
Learn more in a new Catalyst Grant Program blog post.
Using Listening Sessions to Amplify the Voices of Caregivers Impacted by Gun Violence and Incarceration
Research has indicated the stressors of incarceration for caregivers, including stigmatization, especially if their loved one’s crime was violent.
urbn.is
November 14, 2025 at 6:51 PM
#Caregivers impacted by homicide & incarceration often lack support—and their voices are often missing in local #policy discussions. Boston’s WAB2G project used listening sessions to help change that.
Learn more in a new Catalyst Grant Program blog post.
Learn more in a new Catalyst Grant Program blog post.
12/2 @ 12:30 p.m. ET: Join Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Urban President Sarah Rosen Wartell, and experts for a hybrid #event on improving access to income-boosting state #tax benefits.
Register now.
#LiveatUrban
Register now.
#LiveatUrban
Improving Access to State Tax Credits through Research to Action
Join Maryland comptroller Brooke Lierman, Urban Institute president Sarah Rosen Wartell, and leading experts as we discuss how changemakers can get income-bo…
urbn.is
November 13, 2025 at 9:12 PM
12/2 @ 12:30 p.m. ET: Join Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Urban President Sarah Rosen Wartell, and experts for a hybrid #event on improving access to income-boosting state #tax benefits.
Register now.
#LiveatUrban
Register now.
#LiveatUrban
What does the evidence show on the benefits of investing in #children?
Last month, Urban hosted an #event examining the gains and impacts of #safetynet investments in children, and opportunities for progress at the federal and state levels. Learn more.
Last month, Urban hosted an #event examining the gains and impacts of #safetynet investments in children, and opportunities for progress at the federal and state levels. Learn more.
Cash Assistance for Children: Research Roundup and Policy Future
Join Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Utah Department of Health and Human Services executive director Tracy Gruber, and leading experts as we examine the benefit…
urbn.is
November 13, 2025 at 4:13 PM
What does the evidence show on the benefits of investing in #children?
Last month, Urban hosted an #event examining the gains and impacts of #safetynet investments in children, and opportunities for progress at the federal and state levels. Learn more.
Last month, Urban hosted an #event examining the gains and impacts of #safetynet investments in children, and opportunities for progress at the federal and state levels. Learn more.
Amid America’s ongoing #labor shortages in leisure/hospitality and wholesale/retail trade industries, #employers are overlooking a significant untapped talent pool: #justice-affected people.
Learn more in this Urban Wire article.
Learn more in this Urban Wire article.
Second-Chance Hiring Can Help Fix America’s Labor Shortage
Despite perceptions that there aren’t enough jobs, data show there are more jobs than workers. Research shows hiring justice-affected people can yield benefi…
urbn.is
November 12, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Amid America’s ongoing #labor shortages in leisure/hospitality and wholesale/retail trade industries, #employers are overlooking a significant untapped talent pool: #justice-affected people.
Learn more in this Urban Wire article.
Learn more in this Urban Wire article.