A major challenge facing the United States is to create thriving communities that enable low- and moderate-income families to lead lives with a reasonable degree of stability, support, and resources to take care of their basic needs, find satisfaction in life, and raise and educate their children successfully. It seems likely that a truly adequate response to this challenge will rest on multi-disciplinary research on finances, physical and mental health, employment, housing, child development and education, community well-being, political access and representation, and environmental sustainability.

CSD is engaged in two collaborative multi-disciplinary projects that explore the policies and supports that create and sustain thriving communities.

• The Livable Lives Initiative has awarded eight grants to faculty across Washington University for innovative research projects that investigate what supports “livable lives” for low-to-moderate-income families.
• The Pagedale Development Project uses a new approach to neighborhood development with the goal of transforming the St. Louis suburb of Pagedale. A health impact assessment is underway, and additional research is planned.