Evidence In Action

In this conversation, we explore the distinction between “fixing” people’s mental health and building systems and institutions that don’t cause harm in the first place. We are joined by Wizdom Powell, a psychologist, tenured professor, and nationally recognized expert on racial trauma, healing, and health equity. She is now the chief purpose officer of Headspace, the provider of the world’s most a...

Kim hosts a conversation that delves into the dynamic relationship between evidence-driven change and the pursuit of social and racial equity when institutions prioritize these goals. We are joined by Michael Elliott, the current President of Amherst College. He has led significant institutional change efforts at different universities he’s been a part of. We unveil compelling narratives that show...

We tackle the challenging question of how evidence can drive change for people and communities in a climate of widespread institutional distrust. We explore the root causes of this erosion of trust and its impact on decision-making processes. Join us as we uncover innovative strategies that can bridge the gap between evidence and action, rebuild trust in institutions, and empower communities to ac...

We explore how evidence shapes policy, philanthropy, and learning agendas to help drive social change. We also unpack the challenges changemaking institutions can face when incorporating evidence and evaluation into their processes. And we offer insights into how governments and other institutions can foster more trust with the people and communities they serve. To learn more about Evidence In Act...

We explore the use of data and evidence in policy making and higher education. We will hear from Doug Elmendorf, dean of the Harvard Kennedy School, about teaching the next generation. How are educators teaching students about the role of data and evidence in discourse and persuasion? We will also dive into policy areas where Doug sees the most room for compromise and progress and hear his takes o...

We examine the unique challenges and opportunities of using evidence to drive change within the context of a social movement, particularly in an era of heightened partisanship and media influence. We explore how evidence can serve as a powerful tool to galvanize social movements, but also the potential pitfalls when facts are obscured by ideological divides. Join us as we explore strategies for pr...

We are joined by Heather Hahn, associate Vice President for the Urban Institute Center on Labor, Human Services and Population, to discuss the complexities and challenges of safety net programs in the U.S. Heather helps us probe into the history of these programs and the influence of traditional American values on their design. We look at the barriers that individuals, particularly those from comm...

We’re joined by Michael McAfee, President and CEO of PolicyLink, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it means to lead and carry out work that is in service to all people. We discuss the tension between individual worldviews and what evidence shows, especially when pursuing social change that is enduring, scalable, and genuinely centers people most in need. We also explore what McAfee calls a “...

We explore the resurgence of interest in rural communities. We delve into the current state of rural research, uncovering the gaps compared to urban research. We dive into the legacies of the deepest poverty in America and the mechanisms through which it persists. We’ll hear from Luke Shaefer, co-author of a new book, The Injustice of Place: Uncovering the Legacy of Poverty in America about the po...

We are joined by author and immigration advocate Cecilia Muñoz who served for eight years on President Obama's senior team, including five years leading the White House Domestic Policy Council as an assistant to President Obama. Cecilia opens up about how her experience as a Midwestern Latina shaped her identity, and how she pivoted from working as an advocate in the Latinx community to formulatin...

We explore the potential of applying locally sourced solutions to address national problems. We examine how research organizations can harness evidence from grassroots initiatives, community-led projects, and local expertise to inform national policies and drive meaningful change. Join us in our conversation with Stephen Benjamin, who served as Mayor of Columbia South Carolina for 3 terms over 12...

In the series premiere of the Evidence in Action, Kim and Sarah explore the multifaceted role of evidence, revealing how it can inform and refine policies for better social, economic, and environmental outcomes. We delve into the pivotal uses of evidence in various contexts. We unravel how evidence can be harnessed to detect problems, identify effective strategies, and refine practices. From pinpo...

Welcome to Evidence in Action, a new podcast from the Urban Institute. In this season, co-hosts Sarah Rosen Wartell, President of the Urban Institute and Kimberlyn Leary, Executive Vice President of the Urban Institute, are going to explore the role of evidence and how it can help us to shape policy and achieve better social, economic, and environmental outcomes. On every episode, we'll be joined...

Vaccines work -- but they only work if people get them. How can communities make sure that as many of their residents get vaccinated as possible? Host Justin Milner talks with Urban Institute researcher Leandra Lacy; Luis Garcia, director of technology and analytics at El Buen Samaritano; and Treshika Melvin, advocacy, training, and power building director at Springboard to Opportunities, about ho...

Equitable community engagement and development can seed systems change that supports long-term health and well-being within communities. Host Justin Milner talks with Urban Institute researcher Laudy Aron; Maggie Super Church, vice president for healthy and resilient communities at the Conservation Law Foundation; Vedette Gavin, senior research consultant at the Conservation Law Foundation; and Ro...

All young people need support and a runway to independence to develop into thriving adults. For those without this support, that’s where public safety net programs come in⁠—but the safety net has substantial gaps and barriers that make access challenging for young people. Host Justin Milner talks with Urban researcher Heather Hahn, young people who’ve interacted with the safety net, and employees...

As the nation aims to recover from the pandemic, policymakers have the opportunity to implement policies that build toward a more inclusive, equitable society. Host Justin Milner talks with Urban Institute researcher Kimberly Burrowes; Jon Kher Kaw, senior urban development specialist at the World Bank; Ernesto Falcon, senior legislative counsel at the Electronic Frontier Foundation; and Richard S...

Registered tech apprenticeship programs create vital pathways for diverse candidates to enter the tech industry, supplying companies with needed talent while advancing the crucial industry goals to cultivate an inclusive tech workforce. Host Justin Milner talks with Urban Institute researchers Diana Elliott and Fernando Hernandez-Lepe; apprentices Chrystal Yeoman and Jed Beddo; and Sarah Boisvert,...

It’s been 17 months since the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed our lives. It has been difficult, but we have found some outlets helped us reflect on, and even escape, our current reality. On this episode with guest host Jacinth Jones, you’ll hear from Urban staff about the books, miniseries and podcasts that have been getting them through since March 2020. Related Links: WandaVision, The Dea...

A lot of the conversation around improving education outcomes centers the effectiveness of teachers, but how important are principals in shaping students’ direction and success? Host Justin Milner talks with Constance Lindsay of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Urban Institute, Michele Shannon of the Leadership Academy, and Kerensa Wing, principal at Collins Hill High School...

The recently passed American Rescue Plan Act could reduce poverty among families with children by half. How will this work, and why is it a big deal? Host Justin Milner talks with tax policy expert Elaine Maag and Gaynell Brady and M.A. Sheehan from the Lower 9th Ward Homeownership Association in New Orleans about the expansion of the child tax credit and ways to ensure all families benefit from i...

The country has now spent a year dealing with the effects of COVID-19 and the pandemic has brought an array of unprecedented challenges for public leaders. Host Justin Milner speaks with Philadelphia Councilmember Kendra Brooks, King County, Washington Executive Dow Constantine, and Pueblo, Colorado Mayor Nick Gradisar on how they worked to support their communities and how they envision the road...

Nearly a year into the pandemic, the definition of ‘giving’ has been expanding and the idea of philanthropy at multiple levels is more salient than ever. As we think about developing a culture of giving, it is important to start at the beginning and look at how we learn about charitable giving as kids. Host Justin Milner speaks with Shena Ashley, the vice president of Urban's Center on Nonprofits...

Research organizations are increasingly thinking about how to make their research more inclusive. Community-based participatory research is an approach engages people who would normally be research subjects as full partners in a research project, from beginning to end. In this episode, we will hear about a truly inclusive project called Promoting Adolescent Health and Safety, or PASS, in southeast...

How are American Indian tribes and Native communities faring during the COVID-19 pandemic? Host Justin Milner speaks with Lukaya Williams of the White Mountain Apache Housing Authority, Joe Cushman and Justine Capra of the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s planning and economic development department, and Nancy Pindus, senior fellow at the Urban Institute. Related links: White Mountain Apache Tribe White M...