Topic: Ideas We Should Steal
Wheelchair Ramps Made From LEGOs
Nearly 500 public buildings in Philly—not to mention rowhomes—have barriers to access for people in wheelchairs. Germany’s “LEGO Granny” has a brightly colored way to help
By Michaela HaasUniversal Child Care
Massachusetts legislators are working to make their state the first to provide free, high-quality care for children. In Pennsylvania, doing so would bring more women to the workplace—and could add $6 billion to the economy
By Jessica Blatt PressDesegregating the Region
A Connecticut coalition is fighting housing discrimination, and its effects, by taking on a little-understood piece of bureaucracy: zoning laws. Could a similar approach make for a more equitable Philly region?
By Jessica Blatt PressWinterizing Outdoor Dining
Chicago invited citizens to come up with solutions to the challenges of outdoor winter dining. Philly should put out the same call.
By Maddy Sweitzer-LammeMental Health Police Reforms That Work
If we really want to honor Walter Wallace Jr., let's look at and consider implementing some of these successful—systemic—solutions from around the world
By Christine Speer Lejeune and Jessica Blatt PressThe Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable
Well before this summer’s racial awakening, civic leaders in Buffalo came together to not only talk about race, but work on real systemic change. Is it a model for other cities?
By Larry PlattCitizens’ Assemblies
A growing body of research suggests that the leadership we need right now could—quite literally—be all around us
By Jessica Blatt PressSwap Columbus Day for an Election Day Holiday
The small city of Sandusky, Ohio, cancelled the out-of-step holiday in favor of one much needed. We should do that in Philly, too.
By Roxanne Patel ShepelavyReduce Gun Violence with Jobs
Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s anti-violence program has helped reduce shootings in Chicago’s South Side by 33 percent—while citywide, violence has spiked. The key? Economic opportunity
By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy10 ways to fix our garbage mess
State Rep. Jared Solomon spent a day picking up city trash to understand just how bad Philly is at waste. Here, some ways to do better
By Jessica Blatt Press