Build Communities What’s Next for Broadband Expansion?

Funding approval is just one step on the path to connecting more Americans to high-speed internet

The Rundown

Sign up to receive Pew’s latest research and recommendations.
Mounting Pressures Usher in a New Budget Era

The budget decisions that states make in 2026 are likely to be defined by an increasingly perilous long-term fiscal outlook. For some states, the coming year might represent their last opportunity to prepare before budget stress begins in earnest. For others, budget shortfalls have already begun, and lawmakers will need to contend with short-term problems and get ready for long-term ones.

A person in a beige short-sleeved shirt and slacks sits in front of many computer monitors. Behind him is a wall of large screens showing charts, graphs, a map of California, and other data.
Virtual Power Plants: Powering the Grid From Your Neighborhood

The U.S. electric grid is under growing pressure. Energy demand is skyrocketing, electricity costs for customers are rising, and extreme weather events—which often cause grid disruptions— are increasing in frequency and intensity. One emerging solution could provide some relief. Virtual power plants (VPPs) can play a key role in providing reliable and affordable power on demand in seconds.

Fentanyl test strip
Drug Checking Equipment Can Reduce Overdose Deaths

Addressing fentanyl overdose deaths is a bipartisan priority in Congress and statehouses across the country. As a result, many policymakers are working to increase access to drug checking equipment in tandem with greater access to treatment and services for people with substance use disorders.

Lawmaker, Experts Discuss Promise of New Grid Technologies

Like a highway for electrons, the power grid carries electricity from generation sites, such as power plants and solar farms, to customers. However, much of the nation’s transmission infrastructure is decades past its expected lifespan and is inadequate to meet rapidly growing energy needs. Fortunately, policymakers are starting to address this challenge.

Our Work

Pew's work spans 7 key topics...

Professional psychologist doctor listening and giving the consult to female patients

Good health is important to everyone. Pew conducts research and provides information and fact-based recommendations to state agencies, hospitals, researchers, and other health partners to help them provide better care. We find and share evidence-based practices to improve Americans’ health and well-being, including services that can prevent suicide, improve mental health care, and treat substance use disorder.

Bustleton Free Library in Philadelphia, PA, on Thursday September 12 2024.

Communities throughout the country share common needs: affordable connections to broadband Internet, modern and reliable energy infrastructure, effective responses to mental health challenges, and ways to resolve legal disputes more quickly and fairly. To address these issues, Pew collaborates with states and local governments to find and promote evidence-based solutions that help provide stability and opportunity.

Economic opportunity is the foundation of American society. Pew supports national, state, and local efforts to expand opportunity and promote financial well-being. Our work helps people pay off student loans, navigate court proceedings such as debt collection, buy or rent a home, access affordable internet, and save for their retirement.

High angle helicopter shot of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. at twilight on a clear evening in Fall, with Pennsylvania Avenue beyond.

Nonpartisan, fact-based improvements in federal policy can create jobs, lower costs, and help the nation prepare for the future. When our research shows that small changes can have a big impact, we work across party lines to improve national challenges like housing affordability, internet access, energy reliability, and health care.

The House Chamber at the Kentucky State Capitol is shown as the legislature tries to wrap up its session

States and cities are the “laboratories of democracy” in America—the places where lawmakers and governors look for new ways to help their communities succeed. Whether in Pew’s hometown of Philadelphia or any of the 50 state capitals, we help elected leaders respond to the needs of their citizens, use public dollars wisely, fix outdated policies, and build a better future for all.

A view of steep cliff, grand canyon and Colorado river from Toroweap overlook.

Conserving natural spaces conveys benefits far beyond the gains to wildlife and their habitats. As scores of studies show, protecting and restoring lands and waters, particularly when done in close partnership with local communities, also improves people’s lives—and local economies—by increasing tourism and outdoor recreation.

How We Work

Pew is committed to generating research, providing technical assistance, and building relationships to advance powerful, positive change. Learn More

Although our projects vary in scale and scope, Pew maintains a consistent investment philosophy for all of our work—an approach driven by our history and values. Learn More

Stay informed through our newsletters, join the conversation on social media, or learn about partnership opportunities—just a few ways you can help us make a difference. Learn More

Fact of the Matter

49,449
AMERICANS
die by suicide in 2022.
18%
OF AMERICANS
with opioid use disorders received any medication to treat them in 2023.
30%
INCREASE IN SUICIDE RATE
in the U.S. from 2000 to 2020.
178,000
DEATHS EACH YEAR
from frequent or excessive drinking.

Sign up for Newsletters

Get the best of Pew: our latest research, recommendations, charts, photos, and survey results.