10 Innovations Driving America's Cities and States Forward

"This year’s list of “Innovations to Watch” represents the most forward-thinking and effective solutions that are now being implemented by America’s states and metropolitan areas in the arenas of low carbon, exports, human capital, innovation, and governance," says the press relase accompanying the list's release.

“While partisan politics continues to paralyze Washington, leaders in states and municipalities across the country are moving forward with innovative solutions that address the many economic challenges we will face in the coming years,” stated Bruce Katz, vice president at Brookings and co-director of Metropolitan Policy Program.

"The top ten innovative initiatives this year are in the metropolitan areas of Portland, OR; Chicago, IL; Youngstown, OH; San Antonio, TX; and Los Angeles, CA; and statewide in Florida, California, Massachusetts, Kansas, Washington and Oregon."

Examples of recognized innovations include Los Angeles's "Bottom-Up Federalism" in the form of the "America Fast Forward" proposal that was championed by Mayor Villaraigosa and incorporated in the new federal transportation reauthorization bill. Chicago's efforts to  retrofit city government buildings through public-private investments was recognized also recognized.

"All ten initiatives embrace a vision of economic growth that is productive, sustainable, inclusive, and globally oriented. They are imaginative in design; advanced by networks of leaders who cross jurisdictional, ideological and political lines; and can be easily replicated in other jurisdictions."