

We believe every community can be prosperous, just, and resilient – no matter its starting point.
As Brookings Metro enters its next 25 years of impact, we have redoubled our commitment to local leaders. In collaboration, we will help them transform original research insights into policy and practical solutions that scale nationwide.
Read more about Brookings Metro, our 25th anniversary campaign, and our vision for the future.
The Latest

The CHIPS and Science Act is a chance for businesses and local leaders to collaborate on a stronger child care system
The United States has long struggled with the challenge of providing quality, affordable child care for working parents. Recent proposed investments in the “care economy”—part of President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better agenda—were left on the congressional cutting room floor. Despite this setback, the administration continues to take steps to address the issue through executive […]

The US can’t achieve environmental justice through one-size-fits-all climate policy
On the surface, the history of U.S. environmental policy is one of sweeping success through pivotal regulation. The 1970 Clean Air Act, for example, is estimated to have reduced overall air pollution by 66.9% and added 1.3 years to the life expectancy of the average American. But it is also a story of “one-size-fits-all” policy […]

Four principles for reforming US disaster policy
This November marks the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act—the statute that enables the federal government to assist states and their residents after emergencies and major disasters. The act is the foundation for our national disaster policy, but its anniversary comes with some clouds overhead. […]

Who is driving Black business growth? Insights from the latest data on Black-owned businesses
Table of contents Introduction Recent trends Geographic patterns (and interactive) Pandemic rebound Black women are starting more businesses Factors driving growth California booming More action is needed Executive summary Using the Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey (ABS) data on employer firms (those that have at least one employee), this third installment of Brookings Metro’s series […]
Helping communities make the most of historic public investment
Brookings Metro has launched a major initiative to act as a bridge between local leaders and federal decisionmakers, so that generational national investments in infrastructure, economic vitality, and climate action yield transformative and equitable impact in communities—and powerful learning at the federal level.
Focus Areas
BY THE NUMBERS
Metro Monitor Dashboard
Select a metropolitan area | For more information, please see Metro Monitor 2023 »
…