Society

Americans are living 21st century lives using 20th century infrastructure. Now is the time to get prepared for the next crisis as well as for the economic and technological changes ahead. Stakeholders have the insights and resources to address these challenges: we must work across sectors and silos, integrate equity and climate into every decision, embrace community input and data, pursue innovative financing mechanisms, and ground infrastructure in the dynamic needs of our citizens. Congress has green-lit the path ahead. Now it’s time to get creative and work together in this historic moment.

We have entered a new era of infrastructure investment. As we step into the new year, we hope policymakers and practitioners will seize this moment to make creative, collaborative choices that meet our collective infrastructure needs for years to come. This includes shifting our mindset when it comes to what qualifies for infrastructure investment, developing new metrics for success, harnessing capital in a way that maximizes both efficacy and equity, and ensuring that communities and local stakeholders are engaged throughout the process. 

The global Covid-19 pandemic has worsened inequality. Oxfam International found that while billionaire fortunes returned to pre-pandemic highs in just nine months, a recovery for the world’s poorest people could take over a decade.

How do we go beyond the binary of gun control versus gun rights and get to the crux of this issue to save lives? Arne Duncan and Megan Ranney talk their unique approaches to gun violence prevention.

Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield in conversation with Jack DeGioia, Shamina Singh and Julia Ioffe.

We are living through a time of intense conflict in what seems like every part of society - online, on TV, and in our communities. You’re not imagining it. So, on this episode of the Value of Leadership, we ask: Why are we so polarized?

Designer of the Social Change Ecosystem, Deepa Iyer, breaks down the Ecosystem and explains how the tool can help sustain each player in the long haul that is creating lasting social change. 

Join thinkers and doers on the front lines of polarization to discuss how we can break through the division and work together.

JULY 13, 2021 - Co-chairs of the Aspen Institute Commission on Information Disorder discuss their newly launched interim report, which sets the 18-member group’s priorities. They cover the Commission’s work to date, and what is next as they look towards making recommendations.