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  • Can 30,000 Cameras Help Solve Chicago's Crime Problem?

    Using advanced data, cameras, and innovative mapping, Chicago is hoping to finally solve crime in the city. Hidden sensors like ShotSpotter and crime forecasting software HunchLab are being used to turn massive amounts of data into usable information for law enforcement officers, but concerns about privacy and surveillance are prevalent.

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  • Why Environmental Impact Bonds Are Catching On

    Environmental impact bonds allow cities, sometimes even community members, to share the risk and rewards with investors that are backing innovative possible solutions to big problems. This plan allows for large-scale green infrastructure to be piloted in areas across the U.S. where it is most needed.

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  • Tracing Illegal Guns

    A publicly available online platform launched by the New York Attorney General fills in big data gaps on guns being used in crimes and trafficked from elsewhere. “We were able to get a snapshot really quickly of where the worst guns are ending up and where they started.” The data can establish groundwork for interstate trafficking cases and also inform policy decisions and New York is happy to share the technology other communities can build their own databases.

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  • Despite Many Threats, Some Coral Reefs Are Thriving

    The 100 Island Challenge is a project through the University of California, San Diego to use photos and complex mapping programs to assess the health of coral reefs. Despite media attention declaring the demise of reefs, early stages of this research has shown that protective factors, like areas with less pollution, can help preserve reefs. By getting buy-in from local governments and working with local fisheries, the 100 Island Challenge is working to use new knowledge around coral reefs to lessen the effects of climate change on these precious ecosystems.

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  • London's Big Push for Better Design

    Public Practice is the name of a new London social enterprise that is placing top urban planners in local government authorities. The program aims to incorporate skilled urban planners in essential city tasks: building affordable housing, developing better infrastructure, and improving city spaces. Though only in its first year, the program hopes to continue to help “London build more inclusive spaces.”

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  • Paris is building the eco-community of the future right now. Here's how.

    Setting the bar high for environmental sustainability can encourage innovation and experimentation. Developers of Paris’ new Clichy-Batignolles eco-district are reducing the neighborhood’s carbon footprint in nearly every way imaginable. Solar panels and vegetation cover the energy-efficient buildings, the water table under the 10-hectare (25-acre) park provides geothermal heating, deliveries are directed to a central drop-off site, and much more.

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  • The Amazing Psychology of Japanese Train Stations

    Rail transport is a necessity for many commuters around the world. Japan's transportation industry has found a way to improve this means of transport by implementing subtle behavioral psychology mechanisms. From blue lighting to decrease suicides to departure jingles to reduce passenger anxiety and haste, the nation is succeeding in having a near-perfect methodology for travel despite overcrowded stations.

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  • Homes and Gardens: The Best Thing to Ever Happen to a Prison Site

    Growing Change, a rural North Carolina youth organization that focuses on keeping kids out of jail, focuses on flipping prisons to not only revitalize and bring environmentally friendly practices to the community but also offer the kids something to work towards. In its initial pilot, the group saw a 92% success rate with keeping these kids out of jail and employed in the program.

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  • Transit Oriented Development

    Oakland, California is showing big cities that transit-oriented development is possible. After a decade of planning between public transportation officials, developers, and a neighborhood organization, the Fruitvale Transit Village opened in 2004. It includes commercial space, affordable housing units, and a health clinic. Instead of gentrifying the area, the Fruitvale Transit Village helped turn around a struggling neighborhood while keeping people of color in the community.

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  • Switzerland's new algorithm could get up to 30% more refugees into work

    Switzerland will soon be piloting a new algorithm to help refugees find jobs. The algorithm uses "machine learning to match geographic employment outcomes with refugees’ personal characteristics, such as gender, age and nationality." Researchers found that using the algorithm would have helped 41% more refugees to be employed between 2011 and 2016, but "real world" impact is yet to be measured. However, there are concerns about transparency and fairness.

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