MD Eagles

The problem collection

Choose a problem. Understand the evidence. Weigh the possible solutions and find a first step you can take with people in your community.

Our first briefs pair published evidence with ideas to test. They are starting points for local work, not funded projects or proven solutions. Looking for help that already exists? See the resource guides.

3 problems

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01

Baltimore City Children and families

Child care is getting in the way of work

Help parents find care that fits the hours they actually work.

EvidenceBaltimore City ECAC, 2025 landscape analysis

Possible solutions to test 2 ideas

  1. An employer and provider care pilot

    Bring a local employer and a licensed child care provider together to test whether a small block of funded care hours fits parents’ shifts. Establish staffing, licensing and costs with the provider before offering places.

  2. A practical care search service

    Help families use existing referral services, record where the search breaks down, and share verified availability with permission. Build a new tool only if existing services cannot address the gap.

Read the full brief and first step

02

Maryland · start with a local business group Small business

Small businesses struggle with uneven cash flow

Help owners understand what is coming in, what is due and where payments get stuck.

EvidenceFederal Reserve Banks, 2025 Maryland employer-firm chartbook

Possible solutions to test 2 ideas

  1. A neighborhood cash flow clinic

    Work with a business association and a qualified adviser to help owners build a simple weekly cash forecast. Test whether a shared spreadsheet and a regular check-in are enough.

  2. A payment follow-up service

    If interviews identify overdue invoices as a recurring cause, pilot clearer payment terms, reminders and an invoice tracker with willing owners. Compare existing tools before developing software.

Read the full brief and first step

03

Maryland · test one profession in one community Work and careers

Professional experience does not always lead to a matching job

Help internationally trained residents navigate credentials and local career pathways.

EvidenceMaryland Department of Labor, Skilled Immigrant Task Force

Possible solutions to test 2 ideas

  1. A verified guide for one profession

    Work with the relevant licensing board and a workforce adviser to explain one profession’s requirements, official fees and routes. Assign someone to review the guide when requirements change.

  2. A local career navigation circle

    Connect willing professionals with trained advisers and peers in the same field. Begin with a small, facilitated session to identify missing information and useful introductions.

Read the full brief and first step