City Makers: Getting to Work
What's next in workforce development

Why Casino-Driven Development Is a Roll of the Dice
Usually, the public benefits of gambling deteriorate over time. But many American cities still pin their economic hopes on casinos.

Why Millions of Americans Never Finish College
Across the country, the same hurdles keep students from obtaining degrees, often putting middle-class jobs with good wages out of reach.

The Stubborn Problem of Ageism in Hiring
When older adults expect to encounter age discrimination, it can set off a cycle that leads to long-term unemployment.

How One Nonprofit Breaks the Cycle of Incarceration
Staffed mostly by ex-offenders, New York’s Fortune Society works to build a safety net for its clients, even before they’re released from jail or prison.

What Should Cities Make?
President Trump is gung-ho about the U.S. producing more goods. But what, exactly, should cities be making in the 21st century?

When the Machines Take Our Jobs, Will We Be Freed?
MIT’s Erik Brynjolfsson on the automated future of work.

Learning the Business Lessons of Hip Hop
At Philadelphia’s new Institute of Hip Hop Entrepreneurship, aspiring businesspeople hone their skills with the guidance of hip hop artists and moguls.

Those Who Teach, Learn
In a Kentucky suburb, student teachers are embedded in a public elementary school, helping them bond with kids and get real-time feedback while lightening the load for veteran teachers.

Employers Are Making Baby Steps on Paid Leave Policies
The U.S. still lags far behind other developed countries in allowing paid leave to new parents, but companies that have invested in more generous policies say the return is worth it.

The Building Code Profession Is Dying Out, and That's a Problem
Many of the officials who check construction plans and inspect buildings for safety are on the cusp of retirement—and they’re not being replaced.

Why a Major Hotel Chain Is Offering Apprenticeships
Filling specialized roles like that of executive chef isn’t easy, even for Hilton.

The New, White-Collar Apprenticeship
Thanks to a push by the insurance industry, apprentices may be coming to an office near you.

Why Apprenticeships Are Taking Off
Employers need skilled workers; young people want a path to a good job without accruing lots of debt.

Why Hawaii Is No Paradise for Teachers
Hawaii’s beauty attracts instructors from the mainland, but its cost of living and remoteness lead to high turnover.

Will Your Next Job Be Piloting Drones?
With commercial use expected to surge, would-be operators have more options for training.

In Flint, Providing Safe Water Is a Full-Time Job
Hundreds of locals have been hired to help the city recover from its water crisis.

Will Jobs in Solar Energy Keep Growing?
The solar workforce has been expanding fast, and a shift in federal policy probably won’t change that.

So You Want to Flee the City and Become a Farmer
Lots of urban dwellers dream of a simpler life in the country, living off the land. Here’s what it’s actually like.

Why Seattle and Tacoma, Maritime Rivals, Merged Their Ports
Faced with the negotiating power of global shipping giants, the ports 32 miles apart decided to join together—and train up the workforce they’ll both need.

The Detroit Startup Helping Women Craft a Path Out of Homelessness
How a nonprofit and a small jewelry company team up to help homeless women get back on their feet.

Where Dealing With Trauma Is Part of Job Training
An unusual nonprofit for disadvantaged youth combines real-world work experience with counseling to overcome past pain.