Problem Salem’s downtown pedestrian mall was in need of a variety of improvements; it was tired, in need of maintenance and repair, was not pedestrian friendly, and had vacant storefronts. Without improvements, the area lacked a strong sense of community and economic activity was hindered. Solution Mayor Driscoll is leading […]Kim Driscoll | Mayor | Salem, MA

Problem Cities and counties have millions in reserve and special funds but most of those dollars are invested in large funds run out of state. Local financial institutions know their community and customers better than large banks, and therefore by having access to those funds can more effectively invest in […]Ryan Coonerty | County Supervisor | Santa Cruz, CA

Problem In most states and at the federal level tax expenditures (incentives, dedications, exemptions, loopholes etc.) that have not been recently analyzed and updated are draining resources from government budgets. In NM for example, these tax breaks have cost $1 billion of taxpayer money and have not significantly increased job […]Tim Keller | Mayor | Albuquerque, NM 2014 Challenge Finalist

Problem Small businesses often do not have the resources to harness expertise in research and development. Meanwhile, scientific, technological and other research facilities are often looking for new projects. Funding the linkage between these two groups would lead to new opportunities for economic growth. Solution Assemblymember Buchwald is proposing to […]David Buchwald | State Assemblyman | White Plains, NY 2014 Challenge Finalist