Ideas We Should Steal

Homesharing

Across the state and country, programs are connecting those in need of companionship and income with those who need affordable housing. Why is Philly’s version struggling?

By Courtney DuChene
Ideas We Should Steal

Climate Resilience Hubs

When government was slow to help Wilmington, DE residents hit by Hurricane Ida, one woman stepped up with a grassroots disaster response team that is now a permanent fixture. Could a similar program help underserved Philly communities at climate risk?

By Angie Bacha
Ideas We Should Steal

Use Free Money to Build a Thriving Green Economy

El Paso, TX is poised to take full economic advantage of the global energy transition, thanks to a Green Business Initiative.

By Bruce Katz and Victoria Orozco
Ideas We Should Steal

Letting Citizens Shape Philly’s Budget

South Bend, Indiana proactively boosted resident feedback in its budget season through its 311 line and by meeting citizens where they are. Could the same efforts in Philly create a budget that reflects residents’ priorities?

By Malcolm Burnley
Ideas We Should Steal

Manufacturers Paying for Recyclable Waste

In California, Colorado and other states, Extended Producer Responsibility laws help fund recycling efforts in underserved communities. Could a similar rule improve Philadelphia's trash problem?

By Courtney DuChene
Ideas We Should Steal

Educate Adults For Teaching as a Second Career

Philadelphia’s teacher shortage keeps getting worse. A long-time university president finds solutions from her own past, and from the UK, where a program has trained 850 professionals for new jobs as teachers

By Elaine Maimon
Ideas We Should Steal

The School Day When No One Eats Alone

Lots of kids feel socially isolated — especially at lunchtime. A national movement is working to change that, today

By Michaela Haas
Recap

What We Learned at the 2023 Ideas We Should Steal Festival

The Philadelphia Citizen’s sixth annual celebration of solutions was its biggest yet — with some of the biggest revelations to inspire you to make our city better in approximately a bajillion ways

By Lauren McCutcheon

Ideas Philly Has “Stolen”

Solutions that have launched in Philly as a result of The Citizen’s annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival

By Ralph Thorn
Ideas We Should Steal Festival 2023

The Ultimate Citizen Reading List

Catch up on the books written by this year’s Ideas We Should Steal Festival speakers — along with some of our all-time favorite tomes for anyone who lives in, or simply loves, cities

By Jessica Blatt Press