Rebuilding trust and effectiveness in the institutions we depend on — and ensuring prosperity reaches every region, not just the coasts.
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." — Franklin D. Roosevelt
You can't navigate major transitions without institutions people trust. But trust in American institutions, from government to media to business, has collapsed to historic lows. When systems stop working for people, people stop believing in systems.
At the same time, the benefits of the modern economy have concentrated in a handful of metros while vast stretches of America feel left behind. This geographic inequality is destabilizing. Rebuilding trust requires both better performance and better responsiveness. It means institutions that actually deliver, and governance that includes the people it serves.
Deep Dive
Public confidence in major institutions has declined for decades. This analysis explores the causes and identifies pathways to restoration.
Read More →The United States faces the unprecedented challenge of competing with China, an economic powerhouse and geopolitical rival pursuing one of history's greatest military buildups. Beijing's economy is on a war footing, backed by decades of investment in a military-industrial complex that churns out ships, missiles, and ammunition at alarming speed. America has a legal framework, the Defense Production Act (DPA), to mount a response.
Read More →Economic opportunity remains concentrated in coastal metros. This report maps strategies for spreading prosperity to middle America.
Read More →The country needs some shared understanding of what it means to be an American and what's changed — and hasn't — over these several centuries.
Read More →Ranking America's cities by their adoption of innovative governance practices, from digital services to participatory budgeting.
Read More →Test Your Assumptions
We're told the country is hopelessly divided on governance. But on strengthening our systems, the data tells a different story. Guess what percentage of Americans support each idea — then see if you're surprised.
Nearly three-quarters of Americans agree our institutions need an upgrade. The frustration isn't partisan — it's universal.
Nearly 7 in 10 Americans want economic opportunity for everyone. The American Dream isn't a partisan concept.
Over 8 in 10 Americans believe we shouldn't abandon struggling communities. Place-based investment has broad support.
Two-thirds of Americans want more transparency. The demand for accountability crosses every political divide.
How did your assumptions compare to reality?
Most Americans underestimate how much agreement exists on governance and regional development. The consensus is already there — it's waiting for leaders to act on it.
Source: National polling data, 2024
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The best insights often come from those doing the work, not just those writing about it. Our goal is to amplify voices that bridge divides and offer practical wisdom grounded in real experience.
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