Our findings explore Americans' attitudes around democracy and its state under the Trump administration. We find that Americans agree upon both the importance of democracy and common principles but diverge as to how the Trump Administration’s actions are affecting our democracy. To read our findings in full, go to Shared Ideals, Divergent Realities.

We spend so much time yelling about the things we disagree on in this country, you’d think the only thing Americans had in common was a mutual hatred of people who use their speakerphone in public.

But here’s a plot twist: there are policies that both Republicans and Democrats actually agree on. Like, in the same timeline. Right now. 

Congress is in the midst of debating a several trillion dollar tax package while it is simultaneously working on an FY 2026 federal budget that will total over $1.5 trillion in additional discretionary spending. At the same time, the issue of housing supply and affordability has become increasingly paramount, with fewer geographies in the country where families can afford to rent, much less purchase, a decent home. It seems like this would be an ideal moment to make more investments in our housing and community infrastructure, but is Congress and the Administration ready to meet the moment?

The Connect Highstar apartment complex brings together families of varied income levels, along with commercial and retail space.

Emergent Strategy asks us to pay attention to the small — the conversations, the choices, the patterns we live by every day — because that’s where real change begins. It’s rooted in nature, relationship, and imagination. And it challenges the idea that we need a perfect plan before we act. Instead, it reminds us that change is constant, and that what we practice at the small scale sets the pattern for the whole.

New Leaders Council (NLC) – Houston is part of a national movement to build a pipeline of inclusive, equity-driven leaders committed to making a positive impact in their communities. Focused on training emerging leaders from underrepresented backgrounds, NLC Houston brings together changemakers across industries—nonprofit, business, government, and grassroots organizing—for a dynamic fellowship experience rooted in values, strategy, and service.

The Rothko Chapel is an iconic, interfaith sanctuary in the heart of Houston that serves as both a place of spiritual reflection and a platform for transformative action. Founded in 1971, it was envisioned as a sacred space where people from all walks of life could come together across lines of religion, race, nationality, and ideology. Today, it stands at the intersection of art, spirituality, and human rights—hosting programs, dialogues, and performances that invite deep reflection and inspire social change.

Compassionate Houston is a volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to fostering empathy, unity, and social connection across Houston’s diverse communities. Founded in 2011 and inspired by the global Charter for Compassion, the organization promotes compassion as a practical tool for individual well-being and civic renewal. Through programs in education, the arts, mindfulness, and community service, they invite Houstonians to live compassionately in public and private life.

MENTOR is the national voice of the youth mentoring movement. For over three decades, they’ve worked to close the mentoring gap by fueling quality, accessible mentoring relationships for young people across the U.S. MENTOR believes all youth should have access to the support and guidance that caring relationships provide—especially those facing systemic barriers.

Results for America helps governments at all levels—federal, state, and local—make better decisions and get better results by using evidence and data. Since 2012, they've been building a movement around the idea that public dollars should go to programs that are proven to work. Their team includes former policymakers, data scientists, and civic innovators who offer practical tools and training to embed outcomes-based thinking into government systems.

The Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute (ESII), founded by adrienne maree brown, is more than an organization — it’s a practice space. A gathering place. A movement builder.

One Houston is a coalition of community members, schools, faith institutions, and nonprofit partners working to build civic power for social justice across the Greater Houston area. Through grassroots organizing and leadership development, One Houston empowers everyday people to take action on issues that directly affect their lives—from education equity and housing to voter access and public safety.