-
, C., and S. 3. A Boston That Works: Recommendations for Building Good Jobs and Strong Communities. COWS, 2014.Nearly one in four Boston families lives in poverty and incomes in the Greater Boston area are more unequally distributed than in the vast majority of other metro areas around the country. The good news is that the City has a number of important tools that can be engaged to address these problems. However, in order to maximize its effectiveness, the City will have to re-focus and re-organize its approach to economic development. Critically, the City must make combatting poverty and inequality a core priority in all of its programs. Moreover, the City should adopt a broader and more proactive vision of economic development and reorganize programs and structures accordingly. This COWS report, co-written with SEIU 32BJ, identifies five key ways in which the City can re-focus and re-organize its programs and provides a number of specific recommendations of steps the City should take.Document
-
Rhodes-Conway, S., and A. Schepker. Creating Jobs, Reducing Waste, and Saving Money in Government Buildings: A Guide for State Lawmakers, Government Officials and Advocates. COWS, 2014.
This report is one of several designed to help Government/Municipal, University, School and Hospital (M.U.S.H.) entities implement energy efficiency upgrades of their building stock. For a comprehensive look at the sector, see Making M.U.S.H. Energy Efficient.
Document -
Holloway, B., S. Rhodes-Conway, and C. Spahr. Urban Freight Transportation: Low Cost Measures to Reduce Negative Impacts. COWS, 2014.
Freight transportation is a critical element of both national and local economies. Yet, it creates a number of challenges for cities due to congestion, emissions, crashes, noise and other factors. This report provides cities with low cost policy-driven measures to reduce the negative impacts of freight transportation.
Increasing the efficiency of freight movement and addressing the social costs and environmental justice issues of freight transportation are not mutually exclusive. The strategies identified in this report can help cities meet their transportation challenges in the years ahead while promoting just, healthy, and sustainable freight practices.
Document -
Jenkins, C., A. Schepker, and S. Rhodes-Conway. Local Food and Economic Development: A Guide for Local Governments. COWS, 2014.
This Mayors Innovation Project report is a complement to Promoting Access to Healthy, Local Food.
Document -
Rogers, J., and S. Rhodes-Conway. Cities at Work: Progressive Local Policies to Rebuild the Middle Class. COWS, 2014.
This 2014 report is based on the practical experience and struggle of elected officials and advocates from around the country in moving their communities onto the “high road” of shared prosperity, environmental sustainability, and efficient democratic government. Its goal is to arm progressive local elected leaders and advocates with a range of effective policies that, if adopted, would make a significant difference in getting on that high road. They will be able to use better democratic organization to add value, reduce waste, and capture and share locally the great benefits of doing both.
Document -
Mackey, M., and C. Reynolds. Vital Signs 2014 Update: Pursuing Economic Opportunity & Growth in the South Wood County Area. COWS, 2014.
Vital Signs 2014 is a regional economic review for the Incourage Community Foundation. This economic analysis summarizes the most recent data to help focus discussions and decision-making on economic growth and opportunity in South Wood County. From schools to employers, wages to social supports, and employment to homelessness, COWS offers data that provides a shared understanding of where South Wood County is, and where it can improve.
Document -
White, S., and T. Cohen. Preparing Students, Strengthening Communities: A Guide to Climate Resiliency & The Community College. COWS, 2014.
This guide frames a broad public-private conversation on climate resiliency, community health, and economic inclusiveness. Developed by COWS in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges’ Sustainability Education and Economic Development (SEED) Center, Climate Resiliency & The Community College defines climate resilience and its implications for jobs and training; outlines emerging opportunities to engage in related work; and lifts up examples of innovation and best practice across a variety of economic sectors, including health, energy, water, and emergency response.
Document -
Dresser, L. State of Working Wisconsin 2014. COWS, 2014.
The State of Working Wisconsin 2014 uses the best and recent data available on jobs and wages to describe the serious economic challenges that Wisconsin continues to face.
Document -
Read more DocumentLuria, D., and J. Rogers. Response to Suzanne Berger - How Finances Gutted Manufacturing. Boston Review, 2014.