University of Maryland Smith School MBA candidate Anton Steshenko proposes a Hybrid Institutional Capital Model to help local governments attract pension and insurance investment for infrastructure. Executive Director Nima Farshchi says the framework could unlock institutional capital through improved financial design and credit enhancement.

Smith School professor Reuben Hurst and colleagues analyzed 31 million U.S. workers, finding workplaces are politically segregated, especially among leaders and politically engaged employees. Democrats dominate most workplaces, while Republicans encounter greater political diversity. Workplace political sorting has changed little since 2012.

UMD Smith researchers found ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Lyft remain more profitable and adaptable than robotaxi operators such as Waymo. The study warns autonomous vehicle expansion could increase congestion and wait times, while platform-based services retain strategic and cost advantages for now.