Philadelphia’s Zero Fare Transit Pilot Program

Affordable transportation is a key challenge for low-income residents of Philadelphia, as transportation directly relates to work and services accessibility.

The Urban Institute examined the Philadelphia Zero Fare Transit pilot program, which aims to reduce transportation barriers by fully subsidizing public transit with automatic enrollment.

This article discusses program background, challenges, findings, and highlights interviews with administrators and community partners. 

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MMA Program Builds Confidence, Strengthens Community in Scranton Schools

Two years ago, law enforcement met with community members and the Scranton School District to discuss violence prevention and community building for youths in the wake of an increasing risk of gang activity in schools.

With the addition of secured funding, the district introduced an afterschool mixed martial arts (MMA) program.

This program helps children build confidence, exercise after school, and fosters a sense of belonging with fellow students and role models. 

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PA Supports its Mothers with 5-Year Maternal Health Strategic Action Plan

According to national maternal health nonprofit March of Dimes, Pennsylvania ranks among the top ten states with the lowest maternal mortality rates, but still only maintains a “C” grade for health standards on its 2025 report card.

Black mothers in the state are two times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related complication than White mothers, and drugs and suicide are leading causes for pregnancy-related deaths.

This article discusses the Healthy Moms Vibrant Futures maternal health strategic action plan launched by the Shapiro Administration.



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Three New Studies Assess What’s Missing in City Climate Resilience Interventions

Cities around the world are under growing pressure to increase green infrastructure and action plans.

However, with costs and policy differing widely across regions, many cities are facing various challenges and potential solutions at once.

This article explores three recent studies on green alleys, rain barrels, and daylighting urban streams which may hold important takeaways for urban planners across the country and world.  



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Reimagining the Global Education Agenda: Thoughts from Six Continents

A decline in aid around the world is affecting youth education programs and disrupting educational cooperation.

A locally driven education approach may help to streamline initiatives and better reflect the diverse needs of specific regions and communities.

Brookings Research shares survey results across six continents on how international and local organizations can help improve education outcomes.

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The Help that Many Older Americans Need Most

Community health workers provide vital in-home support, healthcare and service navigation, and isolation reduction to aging adults.

However, workforce challenges and rural barriers can often work against the efficiency of these workers.

KFF Health news discusses the value of community health workers and how regions can effectively expand the workforce to improve elder health outcomes and increase career pathways. 



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