We are an urban policy startup working for America's cities.

We help midsize cities design solutions and policies that are practical, evidence-based and informed by local data to more effectively address tough urban challenges.

To tackle those challenges, we have assembled a diverse team of thinkers: journalists, academics, coders, writers and policymakers. At the intersection of research institutions, policy shops and creative agencies, we are working to redefine what a think tank can be.

Hire us

Big ideas for midsize cities

We place a special focus on midsize cities because we see these places as high-leverage opportunities to make a difference locally and nudge urban policy nationwide — where ideas can be developed, tested and scaled to other communities facing similar challenges with comparable resources.

Our approach

Conduct meaningful research

We help cities answer complex questions by building research projects designed to inform decision makers with local data, place-based context and actionable findings.

Develop practical solutions

We help cities develop smart urban policy, balancing new and experimental ideas with solutions that are both effective and have a realistic path to implementation.

Engage communities

We put the research and policy design framework through a creative lens in order to ensure our work is engaging, accessible and relevant to everyday residents.

Outcomes over output

We measure our success by the direct impact our ideas have on the local challenges we take on. Of course, data and analysis alone won't improve outcomes. That's why we engage lawmakers, local leaders and residents to develop actionable plans for change.

We put cities and their residents at the center of our work

Our mission is to help midsize cities across America tackle their toughest challenges by developing innovative solutions and smart policies rooted in research and data in order to realize a more effective, prosperous and equitable urban future.

We are committed to intellectually honest and rigorous scholarship

Our team is empowered to take positions and make recommendations shaped by research findings.

Diversity in thought, experience and ideology are core to our mission of building a new kind of research organization that values the best ideas over rigid political agendas. The Metro Ideas Project's financial supporters have no influence over any aspect of research project design, analysis, findings or recommendations.

We are a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that neither makes endorsements nor engages in electioneering.

These reports and documents provide deeper insight into our work

We will regularly update this section with current and past annual reports, key governance documents and audited financial statements.

Metro Ideas Project was made possible by a two-year operating seed grant from Lamp Post Group in October 2015. Our organization has since grown beyond that initial grant and is supported by foundations, cities and donors from across the country.

Policy designed for everyone

Our work is designed to build efficacy and understanding among residents by sparking meaningful community dialog about tough and complex local issues. Across different venues and platforms, we value accessibility and strive to be inclusive in the way we speak, write and do.

We're a multidisciplinary team of doers.

We are a diverse team of talented thinkers, passionate and knowledgeable about a wide range of urban issues. Our staff is assembled from the ranks of tech, academia, journalism and creative agencies.

It's our priority to reach beyond the typical mix of talent found in traditional institutions in order to build an organization capable of tackling public sector challenges in the 21st century.

We are proudly based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. If you're interested in joining our team, check out our open positions at metroideas.org/careers.

We're here to help.

We are building an idea engine for America's midsize cities by designing and developing informed solutions to complex urban problems.

If you're looking for an innovative, research-based approach to an urban policy challenge, we're here to help. Please contact us for more information.