Monday, July 06, 2026
WHAT WORKS CITIES: A Flashback into The Future from 10 Years Ago
What is a “Nudge ?”
June 30, 2016 • in Innovation, Podcast
Data Points Podcast Episode 8 – Nudges for Government
By Eric Reese and Sharon Pauley
Listen to the 23:21 Podcast on this Link >> http://govex.jhu.edu/nudges-for-government/
What is a “nudge?” How can human behavior, and errors, affect the everyday work of government? How can data help government start to correct those errors? We discuss these questions and more with Elspeth Kirkman of the Behavioral Insights Team (or BIT) in this week’s episode of Data Points. What Works Cities Initiative (which also launched GovEx).
Elspeth is the Head of BIT North America, which launched last year as a part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies
BIT grew out of 10 Downing St, where it was the United Kingdom’s “nudge unit” and the world’s first government institution dedicated to the application of behavioral sciences. BIT’s work focuses on redesigning services based on empirical evidence from the behavioral science literature. Their work also involves rigorous testing of behavioral science concepts to ensure that governments know what works before they scale up new practices.
Through What Works Cities, BIT has expanded its work to the US and is working with several cities across the country on low-cost evaluations. These evaluations help cities test different a variety of techniques in service delivery to determine which ways are more effective, and which ways aren’t, to improve service delivery.
Get in touch with us and let us know what you want to hear, suggest potential episodes, and give us feedback on how the podcast is going. You can contact us on Twitter at Gov_Ex or reach out via our website at govex.jhu.edu/contact.
BIT grew out of 10 Downing St, where it was the United Kingdom’s “nudge unit” and the world’s first government institution dedicated to the application of behavioral sciences. BIT’s work focuses on redesigning services based on empirical evidence from the behavioral science literature. Their work also involves rigorous testing of behavioral science concepts to ensure that governments know what works before they scale up new practices.
Through What Works Cities, BIT has expanded its work to the US and is working with several cities across the country on low-cost evaluations. These evaluations help cities test different a variety of techniques in service delivery to determine which ways are more effective, and which ways aren’t, to improve service delivery.
Like Data? Listen and Get in Touch
You can find updates to the podcast in several ways.- Look for us on iTunes as GovEx Data Points
- Find up-to-date episodes on our website at http://govex.jhu.edu/podcast
Mesa HUUB is a city-wide online community and resource center for small businesses brought together by the City of Mesa. Packed with free on-demand business tips from local experts and a 24/7 booking portal to hire the experts on your own time, you will never feel stuck again.
Proudly presented by
POST NOTES: Because "Mesa Works" matches several completely different initiatives, businesses, and economic campaigns, the correct information depends entirely on the context you are looking for.
Here are the most common matches for "Mesa Works":
1. Mesa Economic Development Campaign (Arizona)
If you are looking at business, workforce growth, or regional development, "Mesa Works" is a primary marketing slogan and strategic initiative run by the Select Mesa Office of Economic Development.
- Focus: Attracting advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and technology corporations to Mesa, Arizona.
- Semiconductor Growth: Promoting specialized infrastructure, heavy utilities, and a tech-talent pipeline to secure major advanced industrial expansions.
- Small Business Help: Connects localized companies to resources through the Mesa Business Builder program. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Because "Mesa Works" matches several completely different initiatives, businesses, and economic campaigns, the correct information depends entirely on the context you are looking for.
Here are the most common matches for "Mesa Works":
1. Mesa Economic Development Campaign (Arizona)
If you are looking at business, workforce growth, or regional development, "Mesa Works" is a primary marketing slogan and strategic initiative run by the Select Mesa Office of Economic Development.
- Focus: Attracting advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and technology corporations to Mesa, Arizona.
- Semiconductor Growth: Promoting specialized infrastructure, heavy utilities, and a tech-talent pipeline to secure major advanced industrial expansions.
- Small Business Help: Connects localized companies to resources through the Mesa Business Builder program. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Applications Open July 7 for the 2026 Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program
Applications open July 7 for Mesa's award-winning Mesa Business Builder (MBB) Small Business Assistance Program, which provides free, personalized consulting and expert guidance to help local businesses grow and succeed.
Applications Open July 7 for the 2026 Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program
"Mesa is a city that invests in its people and its businesses. Programs like Mesa Business Builder are a direct reflection of our commitment to making Mesa the best place to start and grow a business," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman.
- Now entering its fifth year, Mesa Business Builder has helped more than 700 local businesses strengthen operations, expand their reach and plan for long-term success.
- During fiscal year 2025-26, 155 businesses accessed nearly $250,000 in professional services, including marketing, branding, website development, AI implementation, business planning and financial guidance.
"No business owner should have to figure it out alone. Mesa Business Builder was built to level the playing field, connecting local entrepreneurs with the kind of expert support that helps them compete, grow and thrive right here in Mesa," said Jaye O'Donnell, Mesa Economic Development Director.
- Eligible businesses must be Mesa-based, for-profit and in operation for at least 12 months with fewer than 25 full-time employees.
- Startups are not yet eligible for one-on-one assistance but can access resources and workshops through the Mesa HUUB platform, which also opens for applications July 7.
> visit MesaBusinessBuilder.com or
> contact Project Manager Kelley Keffer at 480-644-6958 or MesaBusinessBuilder@mesaaz.gov.
"We are proud of what Mesa's small business community has accomplished and even more excited about what comes next. If you are ready to take your business to the next level, we want to help you get there," said O'Donnell.
Sunday, July 05, 2026
BREAKING NEW X1.3 FLARE! Brand New Region AR4482! The Machine Gun Sun just loaded another barrel | Actove Space
BREAKING NEW X1.3 FLARE! Brand New Region AR4482!
The Machine Gun Sun just loaded another barrel…
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A nor’easter is about to hit the Northeast in May. That’s very unusual.
