WATCH: Policy Levers to Support Single-Mother Economic Mobility
Watch this powerful conversation exploring how evidence-based policy can support all families to thrive.
In April 2025, the Urban Institute released the report “Policy Levers to Support Single-Mother Economic Mobility,” citing powerful evidence for policy solutions. Throughout the year, Urban Institute Senior Fellow Elaine Waxman, the report’s lead researcher, has joined JP President and CEO Chastity Lord in conversations around the country to unpack the report’s findings — you can watch their virtual conversation here.
In this thoughtful discussion, Chastity and Elaine explore how evidence-based policy can support all families to thrive, with particular focus on the unique challenges facing single mothers and their children. They examine how social determinants — including job quality, workforce development, healthcare coverage, housing affordability, and child care access — intersect to either support or hinder economic mobility.
They also delve into Waxman’s framework, which defines upward mobility as having dignity and community belonging, economic success for material well-being, and power and autonomy over one’s life and future.
Whether you’re a single parent, community advocate, or someone interested in supporting families through systemic change, this discussion offers valuable insights into the policy landscape that shapes economic opportunity.
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