Briefs

On the whole, the population of the United States is getting older. But what does that entail? How might an aging population impact cultural perspectives on old age or prompt social changes? What can a workforce of older adults bring to the economy? What are the financial costs associated with this population trend in terms of retirement and health care? Individuals, private businesses, and policymakers will all play an important role as the impacts of an aging population become clear.

Education is the pathway to a productive life. All people need basic literacy, math skills, and knowledge of the world around them to function in today’s society and to be informed citizens. But despite increased spending, our educational outcomes as a nation are stagnant. How can the U.S. education system better prepare young people for their adulthood and careers? This brief gives an overview of the major topics within K-12 education and some ideas for reform with the goal of every student having access to an education that equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to be self-reliant and successful in the 21st century.

The impact of sports in the United States is undeniable: sports teams have had lasting social and economic effects at the local level in their own communities and at the professional level across the country. What goes into the economic value of sports teams? What do sports bring to communities? What should the role be, if any, of government in fostering sports in community development?

From the Great Depression to the housing market crash of 2008, or the plight of homelessness to the shortage of affordable housing, housing has been a pressing policy issue in the United States, and new trends are emerging in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Is owning a home still a crucial part of the American dream? What about housing for those for whom it has been a constant struggle? What roles do society and government play to meet the universal need for a safe place to call home?

Each state offers various amenities and lifestyles, from tax rates to climate. In the United States, we have the freedom to move within our state or move to a different one. Domestic migration patterns have shifted in the last decade. Where are people leaving from and where are they going? What are the factors driving people away from, or towards, a certain location? What are the effects of state to state migration and how does it affect the country as a whole?

Although opioids can be effective in treating chronic pain, they also pose risks to patients due to their highly addictive properties. These risks have fueled the U.S. drug crisis that kills thousands of Americans each year. What are the root causes of the drug crisis? What is the role of government, industry, and individuals in trying to help Americans facing this public health emergency?

America has always been considered the land of opportunity. Unfortunately, individuals can find themselves trapped in a spiral of poverty preventing them from reaching their full potential. This brief covers what human creativity can accomplish in an entrepreneurial economy regarding the issue of poverty.

America faced unprecedented challenges in 2020, and the deluge of information and misinformation has been staggering. Pervasive distrust undermines authority and credibility of leading institutions, and hinders collaboration within and amongst communities. What does the state of trust look like in America today? And how can we as citizens bridge these gaps?

A series of crises around the globe - from Afghanistan and Ukraine to Syria, Yemen, and Venezuela - have resulted in the largest refugee population since WWII. America's refugee policies are a key component of our immigration laws, which are frequently debated but rarely updated in meaningful ways. How does the U.S. welcome and support individuals and families that arrive in the U.S. seeking to build new lives? What are the legal differences between a refugee and an asylum seeker? How has the refugee population grown and changed in recent decades? What roles do businesses, communities, and nonprofits play in supporting these groups? What role does the government and legal system play in shaping existing policies and the path forward? What can citizens do to address refugee crises?

It is difficult to think about a neighborhood or community without thinking about its schools. When families make decisions about moving, for example, school districts are always part of the decision making process. Schools are a kind of social infrastructure, which Eric Klinenberg, sociologist and author of Palaces for the People, describes “as veritable glue that connects us and binds us together in our communities.”

Strong neighborhoods and communities have long been central components of American life. How have technologies and social trends changed neighborhoods over time? The local business owners on Main Street, the members on the city council, and the residents living in the suburbs all play an important role in the future of neighborhoods. What do people today want in their communities?

The purpose of law enforcement is to protect communities, hold individuals accountable, and ensure justice. But how exactly do police carry out these duties, and what other responsibilities have they taken on? Who controls the police force at different levels of government and who holds them accountable? How can we bridge gaps between citizens and officers?