Since becoming a regular contributor to Next City in 2018, I am now experienced in writing solutions-oriented journalism. Next City is one of the top five newsrooms in the country producing solutions journalism.
It’s not about writing puff pieces — it’s about analyzing what works in our communities, why it works, challenges present, and how the solution could potentially scale. Despite the doom-and-gloom in much of the media landscape, I have found many people across the country are doing incredible things to address societal challenges.
Over 30 of my stories can be found on the Solutions Journalism Story Tracker. You may also hear me discussing some of my solutions work if you ask Google Assistant, “Hey Google, tell me something good.”
WHAT’S WORKING
Facing Trauma to Manage Money Better, Next City
Research Shows ‘Housing First’ in Denver Works, Next City
National Network Emerges to Feed Frontline Workers, Next City
Library Systems are Embracing their New Role as Social Service Hubs, Next City
Ideas We Should Steal: More Public Defense Spending, The Philadelphia Citizen
Cincinnati Tenants Are Building Equity With Each Rent Payment, Reasons to be Cheerful
Cops and Community Organizers are Reimagining Atlanta’s Jail, Reasons to be Cheerful
A Volunteer-Run Model Could Be Model for Mental Health Response Without Police Intervention, Next City
Test Plots in Los Angeles Parks Grow More Than Native Crops: A Community of People Who Care, Next City
Emily Nonko writes 