Rising costs and stagnant wages have pushed affordability to a crisis point for working families in 2026. Charlene Crowell, a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending, argues that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Poor People’s Campaign foresaw these challenges and that its call for economic justice remains urgently relevant today.
Tag: Urban Institute
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Baltimore’s violence drop proves investing in Black-led youth and the arts works
Baltimore’s historic drop in youth homicides and gun violence is the result of intentional investments in Black-led organizations, youth arts programs, recreation centers and public spaces, not chance. Drawing from her work with Creative Nomads, Kayenecha Daugherty argues that art, community-based leadership and equitable funding are proven public-safety strategies—and warns that recent gains are fragile without sustained support.
Posted inTechnology
Urban Institute releases new framework for digital inclusion to bridge divide
The Urban Institute has unveiled a new framework for closing the digital divide, which includes five pillars: developing infrastructure, getting people connected, learning digital skills, navigating safely and using technology effectively.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Mayor Scott appoints Dartanion Swift-Williams as new chief data and performance officer
Dartanion Swift-Williams has been appointed as Baltimore City’s chief data and performance officer, tasked with leading the Office of Performance and Innovation and establishing a modern, efficient data and performance management program.
Posted inD.C. Community
Recent home sale reports highlight unaffordable housing market in D.C.
D.C. officials are aiming to increase Black homeownership by 20,000 by 2030, but recent reports show that the district’s housing market is unaffordable for homebuyers, with home prices continuing to rise and mortgage rates remaining high.
Posted inMaryland News
AFRO Spotlight: The Black and Missing Foundation is shining a light on the alarming number of missing Black people
The Black and Missing Foundation was founded in 2008 to bring awareness to missing Black people nationwide, and has since been instrumental in finding over 500 missing people, while also educating the community on personal safety and advocating for human rights.
Posted inWord In Black
Black, disabled and dealing with the maze of health care
Adults with disabilities face delays in accessing medical equipment and supplies, which can lead to worsening health outcomes, chronic pain, and mental health issues, according to a new Urban Institute report.