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The Seattle Experiment

Kenny Malone

November 02, 2018 |

NPR |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s “Democracy Vouchers,” funded by a ballot measure to increase property taxes, provide money for residents to make campaign contributions, which increases civic participation and helps people running for office without political connections fund their campaigns. Every city resident receives four 25$ vouchers that they can sign over to the candidate of their choice and mail back in a pre-stamped envelope. Even though only 3% of vouchers were actually used, the number of people contributing to campaigns tripled and several non-establishment candidates were able to run campaigns and get elected.

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Pakistan Tries a New Way to Pay for a Dam: Crowdsourcing

Meher Ahmad

October 25, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Pakistan

Under financial strain, Pakistan is asking its citizens and Pakistanis abroad to donate money to build two dams. Only $48 million of the estimated cost of $14 billion has been raised so far, yet the country’s new prime minister Imran Khan is optimistic. “We can build dams in five years if the donations continue,” he said.

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Houston Looks for a Smarter, More Equitable Path to Hurricane Recovery

Linda Poon

October 22, 2018 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Houston, Texas

The city of Houston is changing its approach to measuring the full scope of damage from Hurricane Harvey so it can get help where it is most needed and improve future flood mitigation. Using data from numerous sources, Civis Analytics found unmet housing needs were far greater than initially recorded and low-income areas were hit disproportionately harder, even though recovery funding often goes to areas with higher housing values. Now city officials are working to implement solutions based on the data in order to allocate limited funds where they will be most effective.

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Lafayette Trades Oil for Cajun Songcraft to Drive Economy

Gregory Scruggs

October 19, 2018 |

Next City |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Lafayette, Louisiana

Layette is replatforming itself to embrace local culture over a dangerous oil dependency. CREATE, a voter-approved initiative in the city, funds cultural events and festivals to create new economic drivers and to promote the cultural legacy of the region. The fund draws upon money designated from a larger pool of surplus property tax revenue, as well as from philanthropic donations.

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Where Chicago Trounces New York: Fixing Mass Transit

Winnie Hu

October 18, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

While New York struggles to fund improvements to its subway system, Chicago has stepped up to find creative ways to finance its own infrastructure improvements. Shepherded forward by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the city has invested over 7 billion in the L train system since 2011. By lobbying for federal funds, raising a tax on ride sharing, and focusing rebuilding efforts over intensive months rather than years, Chicago’s subway has become more reliable and more sustainable.

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Beyond Hot Wings: How Architecture Is Helping Buffalo Make Its Comeback

Joseph Darius Jaafari

October 13, 2018 |

NationSwell |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Buffalo, New York

Buffalo uses its historic architecture to attract international visitors. The city offers tax credits to developers who remodel and renovate old buildings. The effort also helps attract young people back to the city.

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Thousands of South Africans join GovChat

Vernon Pillay

October 04, 2018 |

IOL Business Report |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: South Africa

GovChat is the world's first platform that connects citizens with politicians via WhatsApp. It allows citizens to rate public services and report issues, submit service requests, and donate to community organizations. Thousands of people registered and began using the platform within the first 72 hours.

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'It's a revolution': Indian officials deliver public services at people's doorsteps

Amrit Dhillon

September 17, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, New Delhi

To reduce corruption, the Delhi government has begun delivering public services to residents’ doorsteps. Now it’s possible to get a driver license, marriage certificate, and more from the comfort of home—no long lines or bribes required.

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In California, saving teeth and money—one mouth at a time

David Gorn

September 14, 2018 |

CalMatters |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, California

In California, the highest poverty rate also corresponds with an alarmingly high rate of tooth decay in children. Now, state officials are working to pilot changes to Denti-Cal, which is part of California's health program for low-income residents; so far, they've budgeted more than $200 million more for rate increases and recruited hundreds more dentists. Those changes and a focus on prevention are helping children get the dental care they need.

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Kyrgyzstan wants transparency to curb corruption

Nicolas Zahn

September 11, 2018 |

GovInsider |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is using technology to tackle corruption and reduce costs. The country is centralizing and digitizing government services with help from Estonia. It is also using biometrics in elections to reduce the chances of rigged ballots and build public trust.

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