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Blog Post by Ben Hecht on Oct 5, 2015

#BensTake: The Three Biggest Obstacles to Making Cities Work for Everyone 

Three quotes from the most recent Project on Municipal Innovation convening helped bring some of today’s biggest challenges into clearer focus for our CEO, Ben Hecht. Now, he highlights important solutions.

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Resource on Jan 4, 2017

Beyond Grantmaking: Living Cities’ Effort to Inform and Influence the Broader Field 

A report evaluating Living Cities' influence in the broader field.

Blog Post on Dec 5, 2018

After 20 Years, Three Regions Confront Their Divisions 

Collective reflections on the efforts of three leaders to achieve inclusive growth and adopt a racial equity framework

Blog Post Ben Hecht on Nov 15, 2017

#BensTake: 5 Elements for Creating Inclusive Economies 

Five key elements that must be central to any efforts to build inclusive economies.

Blog Post JaNay Queen Nazaire on Oct 25, 2017

My Equation for Systems Change Results 

I challenge collective impact teams working in service of better results for people, especially people who have been marginalized for generations, to consider this formula as a frame to guide their w…

Resource on Sep 11, 2017

A Day in a Life: How Racism Impacts Families of Color [INFOGRAPHIC] 

If life is a game, it is rigged.

Blog Post JaNay Queen Nazaire on Jun 20, 2017

The Social Determinants of Economic Security 

We have heard about the social determinants of health, but how do social indicators impact an ecosystem’s ability to provide economic security?

Blog Post Shanee Helfer on Jun 14, 2017

Progress Takes Data Discipline: Where Do I Start? 

Consider these five tips on being intentional when using data to improve outcomes.

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Safety and Justice Challenge 

Blog Post Ratna Gill on Apr 18, 2017

Radical Self-Care: Four Lessons from Our Meeting with City Leaders in Albuquerq… 

Burnout is all too common in organizations working for social change. How can the social sector put self-care into practice?

Blog Post Ben Hecht on Mar 8, 2017

Our Commitment to Expanding Equity for Women 

Women face unique barriers to achieving economic security. We must erode these if we hope to achieve greater equity for low-income people in U.S. cities.

Blog Post Brittany Ramos DeBarros & Megan McGlinchey on Mar 7, 2017

Why We’re Participating in A Day Without A Woman Strike Tomorrow 

Many of the Living Cities staff have decided to participate in the #ADayWithoutAWoman General Strike tomorrow—here’s why.

Person Living Cities

Ben Hecht 

Ben Hecht is the President and CEO of Living Cities, a collaborative of 18 of the world’s leading foundations and financial institutions who work together to boldly fight poverty in America’s cities.

Blog Post Ratna Gill on Feb 10, 2017

Form, Storm, Norm, Perform: How to Consider the Stage of Your Cross-Sector Part… 

In this second post of a two-part series on cross-sector partnerships, we examine trends at different stages of cross-sector partnership development, and what they might mean for your work.

Resource on Sep 27, 2016

Closing the Gaps: Full Compendium of Essays 

This Compendium of essays, with contributions from our members, grantees and many other leaders, highlights ongoing efforts across the country that show promise of contributing to closing the racial opportunity gaps

Blog Post Ratna Gill on Feb 8, 2017

Four Trends to Consider as Cross-Sector Partnerships Begin a New Year  

In this first post of a two-part series, we present the trends that emerged from our Cross-Sector Partnership Assessment tool, based on our analysis of over 750 responses from partnerships in the fie…

Blog Post Xavier De Souza Briggs on Oct 26, 2016

Inclusive Capitalism Goes Local 

Five ways to make capitalism more inclusive and create opportunity for all.

Blog Post Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey on Oct 10, 2016

Bringing Equality to Health  

Racial segregation restricts access to such health-promoting resources as stable housing, healthy food choices, quality schools, job opportunities, and safe streets and parks. In fact, racism itself …

Blog Post Ben Hecht on Sep 22, 2016

25 Disruptive Leaders Who Are Working to Close the Racial Opportunity Gaps 

Living Cities unveils our 25 Disruptive Leaders list, recognizing remarkable individuals who are shaking up the status quo and creating new approaches to address our nation’s most stubborn challenges…

Resource on May 18, 2016

Data Inventory 

This Data Inventory will help you identify which metrics and measures you need to determine if you are achieving your goals and continuously improving.

Blog Post Elizabeth Vargas on Sep 21, 2016

Join our 9/27 Virtual Event on Closing the Racial Gaps  

On our 25th Anniversary, Living Cities will host a Virtual Event to honor the good work done over the past quarter century, reflect back on the progress that has been made, and most importantly, look…

Blog Post Mark Funkhouser on Sep 15, 2016

#ThrowbackThursday - Reducing Economic Inequality: It's About Wealth, Not Jobs 

Increasing family wealth is a much better public policy goal than the standard economic development mantra of "jobs, jobs, jobs." And effective strategies won't come from Washington.

Blog Post Ben Hecht & Nadia Owusu on Sep 14, 2016

A Signature Moment for Advancing Racial Equity in America’s Cities 

Despite the current tone of our national electoral politics, we are seeing more and more cities, institutions and individuals explicitly committing to advancing and achieving racial equity. The essay…

Blog Post Jeff Raderstrong on Sep 1, 2016

Using Data for Collective Impact Step Five: Change Behavior and Share Responsib… 

The fifth step to using data for collective impact is committing to action to change behavior. These resources will help you move your partners to action.