FUSE

At FUSE, we're all about combining the best of both worlds! We embed seasoned private sector executives into city and county agencies, where they lead transformative projects that make a real difference. Our Executive Fellows, like Yolanda R. Owens, bring their unique skills and experiences to tackle some of our communities most pressing challenges. From narrowing racial disparities to improving public services and accelerating systems change, they're driving innovation where it matters most. Owens' project with the Jackson Redevelopment Authority is one example of how we're reimagining public service and creating more equitable communities across the nation. Want to learn more about how FUSE is transforming local government? Visit our website at fuse.org!

Congratulations to FUSE Alum Ashley Cannon (2022–23) on her new role! As a FUSE Executive Fellow, Cannon worked with the City of Baltimore, Department of Planning to maximize the impact of the CleanCorps program through close partnerships with community-based and city-wide nonprofit organizations. We're happy to see Cannon continue to support Baltimore's economic and cultural development, which will increase the livelihoods of all Baltimoreans! #FUSEAlumniSuccess

Small businesses are a cornerstone of an equitable and thriving community, providing the goods and services residents desire and attracting the resources needed to keep a district safe and livable. Creating and supporting an environment where local small businesses can continue to serve their patrons and new businesses relevant for legacy residents are able to establish roots, is a key part of ensuring a district is set up to flourish, and all its residents with it. This goes beyond just equitable access to funds, grants, and other financial resources. It requires full-spectrum support from business management training and tools, to fair and fast city planning and zoning requirements, to equitable and effective land development, to intentional efforts to preserve legacy communities. Join us, in partnership with FUSE, for a conversation around the innovative cross-sector strategies to holistic small business support, as a way to bring back historically deprived areas and revitalize the promise of equitable economic growth for every community member now and for years to come. https://lnkd.in/eijjH7G6

Dr. France Córdova is a trailblazing Latina astrophysicist and leader who has shattered glass ceilings throughout her remarkable career. She was the first woman and youngest person to serve as NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration's chief scientist, the first woman president of Purdue University, and the 14th director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Born in Paris to a Mexican-American father, Córdova's journey in science began after witnessing the Apollo 11 moon landing. She went on to become an internationally recognized astrophysicist, publishing over 150 scientific papers. Throughout her career, Córdova has championed diversity in STEM, launching initiatives to increase participation from underrepresented groups. Her groundbreaking work has earned her numerous accolades, including NASA's Distinguished Service Medal. Dr. Córdova's incredible achievements in science, education, and leadership continue to inspire future generations of Latinx scientists and leaders. Let's celebrate her contributions and the doors she's opened for others! #LatinxHispanicHeritageMonth #WomenInSTEM #LatinasInScience

🌍 Big news out of California! SB707 has officially passed, and it's a massive win for sustainability and circularity. This new law shifts the end-of-life responsibility for textiles from consumers to producers. 🙌 For too long, consumers have been left with the burden of figuring out what to do with their old clothing, often leading to more waste in landfills. But now, the tables have turned! SB707 establishes a groundbreaking Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, requiring producers to step up and take ownership. They’ll be responsible for implementing and funding systems to facilitate the reuse, repair, and recycling of textiles—exactly what we need to close the loop and move towards a truly circular economy. ♻️ As a passionate advocate for sustainability, I'm beyond excited to see how this will reshape the industry. It's a powerful step toward making sure that brands are not only thinking about the front-end of their products (sales, marketing, etc.) but also considering their environmental impact at the end of the product's life. This isn’t just a policy change—it’s a mindset shift. It’s proof that we can demand more from the companies we support and build systems that prioritize the health of our planet. Let’s keep pushing for innovative, sustainable solutions that work for everyone, from producers to consumers to future generations. 🌱 #SB707 #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #EPR #TextileRecycling #ConsumerAdvocate #Innovation

Quindaro Boulevard is a central corridor in Northeast Kansas City, Kansas (KCK). It embodies a significant chapter in the struggle for freedom and equality in American history, while also representing the ongoing challenges and efforts to build strong, vibrant communities in historically marginalized areas. FUSE Executive Fellow DeWayne Bright, Sr. is supporting the revitalization efforts of Quindaro Boulevard. In partnership with the City, FUSE, and Medici Road, Bright brought together local stakeholders in an Innovation Lab to discuss a strategy for this central corridor in the historic Northeast KCK. Revitalizing Quindaro Boulevard is important for several key reasons: 1. Economic development: The boulevard and surrounding areas have faced decades of economic decline. Revitalization can bring new businesses, jobs, and economic opportunities to the community. 2. Community pride: Many residents and entrepreneurs with deep roots in the area are working to restore Quindaro Boulevard to its former vibrancy. This fosters a sense of community pride and ownership. 3. Correcting past injustices: Discriminatory practices like redlining and blockbusting negatively impacted the area around Quindaro Boulevard. Revitalization efforts can help address some of these historical injustices. 4. Cultural preservation: The boulevard reflects the rich history of African American settlement and Native American history. Revitalization efforts can honor and showcase these intertwined histories. By investing in the revitalization of Quindaro Boulevard, the community can bridge its past and present, creating a more vibrant and prosperous future while honoring its rich and complex history.

This afternoon, Mayor Donna Deegan and emergency management officials provided the latest updates on Hurricane Milton: 🔺 6 shelters to open Wednesday at 8am 🔺 5 parking garages to open Wednesday at 8am 🔺 Thursday waste collections will now be picked up on Saturday 🔺 No evacuation order at this time for Duval County 🔺 630-CITY open until 9pm tonight, then 24 hours starting Wednesday Watch the entire briefing here: https://lnkd.in/eTMsacgv

I'm thinking of everyone impacted by "worst case scenario" flooding in Western NC and those near Conyers, GA, who evacuated or sheltered in place when a fire and large plume of smoke with chlorine gas erupted from a local chemical plant. Over 220 people have lost their lives due to the hurricane, and Georgia officials are still determining health impacts related to the hazardous air quality. With packed news cycles about the presidential election and global affairs, it can be tempting to scroll past these devasting stories. But it's important to understand the events and support these communities because there are no guaranteed "climate havens" from extreme weather, and acute environmental safety crises can happen anywhere. In short, we need to do all the things: respond competently to emergencies, lead compassionate recovery efforts, adapt to changing environmental conditions, and--importantly--work to prevent events like this from happening in the future. #sustainability #mitigation #climate #ehs Photos: Old Marshall Jail Hotel; Rockdale County

THE FUTURE OF DEKALB new county CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson specks to residents at The Friends School of Atlanta about the development of more affordable housing.