Finding solutions to local and global challenges

Challenge: how do we measure the effectiveness of police officer body-worn cameras?

Solution: Criminology professor Michael White is recognized as the leading expert in the field, receiving media attention in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, International Business Times and more. He also penned an op-ed in the Arizona Republic as part of a national conversation on how cameras can help in law enforcement. 

Challenge: how do we measure the economic impact of arts in community development?

Solution: Students in the School of Community Resources and Development evaluated the economic impact of the Chihuly exhibit at the Desert Botanical Garden, finding that attendees spent over $22 million while visiting Phoenix. Their expenditures created over 365 jobs, $13 million in income, a $21 increase in gross regional product and $2 million in state and local tax revenue.

Challenge: during challenging economic times, how do cities build infrastructure for the future?

Solution: Partnering with the Smart Cities Council, School of Public Affairs professors Kevin Desouza and David Swindell released a report outlining some of the most promising innovations in municipal finance to fund systems like transportation and water to smaller projects. 

Challenge: nearly 25% of women will experience severe violence at the hand of a partner—how to do we decrease this rate and the severity?

Solution: Social work professor Jill Messing completed a study examining the effectiveness of The Lethality Assessment Program, a collaborative intervention that brings together police and social service providers in an effort to implement a more holistic solution.