The number of social impact bond programs in the United States has expanded quickly, to eight, with examples found in Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Utah, and, now, California.
An article by J.B. Wogan explains the ins and outs of social impact bonds, a financing tool that, as defined in the article, taps the "private and philanthropic sectors for early investors for otherwise cost-prohibitive public programs." Wopgan notes that the tool is also sometimes known as a "pay for success" program, and even though it's called a "bond," it's actually "more of a public-private partnership for experimental and expensive interventions in human services."
The social impact bond model also recently launched a new, ambitious effort in Santa Clara County, California, with Project Welcome Home. According to Wogan, over the next six years, "a nonprofit called Abode Services will provide housing and support services to between 150 and 200 long-term homeless people."
Wogan adds: "The nonprofit will assign small caseloads to a multidisciplinary team with training in psychiatry, substance abuse, social work, nursing and vocational rehabilitation. The approach represents a combination of evidence-based practices, and is backed by academic research and recommended by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development."
Wogan also notes that Project Welcome Home follows shortly on the heels of the demise of the "first and most famous" social impact bond in the country—a program providing group therapy for juvenile inmates. Project Welcome Home will also allow project funders to discontinue the program if it proves ineffective.
FULL STORY: Can Social Impact Bonds Help Reduce Homelessness?

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

‘Displaced By Design:’ Report Spotlights Gentrification in Black Neighborhoods
A new report finds that roughly 15 percent of U.S. neighborhoods have been impacted by housing cost increases and displacement.

Nevada and Utah Groups Oppose Public Land Sell-Off Plan
A set of last-minute amendments to the budget reconciliation bill open up over half a million acres of federally managed land to sales.

More Than a Park: A Safe Haven for Generations in LA’s Chinatown
Alpine Recreation Center serves as a vital cultural and community hub in Los Angeles' Chinatown, offering a safe, welcoming space for generations of Chinese American residents to gather, connect, and thrive amidst rapid urban change.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Clovis
City of Moorpark
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions