WHY WE DO IT
Our Impact
We build enduring collaborations to deliver meaningful change. Explore our team's stories, in-depth case studies, and research to see how.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & INSIGHTS
Building Emergency Systems That Reach Everyone
March 27, 2026 — A public alert is only useful if people can receive it, understand it, trust it, and act on it. A transportation plan is only effective if it accounts for mobility, medical, language, caregiving, and communication barriers. A sheltering plan is only complete if it reflects the support people actually need during a disruption. A reunification process is only reliable if it recognizes how families, caregivers, providers, and trusted community networks function in real life.
Access and functional needs planning cannot be excluded from the emergency management system. It has to be built into the operating model from the beginning.
That starts with better information. Service providers often know where residents face the greatest barriers. Public safety and emergency management agencies are responsible for response. When those two sources of knowledge are disconnected, the system loses practical intelligence before the crisis even begins.
The work is not only technical. It is relational. Stronger preparedness requires recurring communication, clear roles, trusted points of contact, and structured opportunities for providers, agencies, and community-facing organizations to align before conditions become dangerous.
It also requires engagement that produces usable insight. A survey should clarify barriers. A town hall should strengthen coordination. A facilitated discussion should help people understand where their roles connect. Outreach should bring the right voices into the process, especially those closest to the populations most likely to be missed.
The core lesson is simple: accessibility works best when it is designed into the system early. Public Information and Warning, Transportation, Mass Care, and Family Reunification and Assistance all become stronger when shaped by people who understand how gaps show up on the ground.
By the time an emergency occurs, a region has either built trust, coordination, and reach, or left residents to navigate those gaps under pressure.
MSS has applied these ideas, principles, and engagement approaches in recent emergency management and access and functional needs preparedness work.
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Cutting Costs and Bottlenecks with Smarter Invoice Validation Processes
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & NEWS
January 1, 2022 — A state department chose MSS to provide custom solutions for reviewing, validating, and reporting staffing vendor-submitted invoices. Due to limited human resources and the added stress caused by COVID-19, financial audits required user-friendly, efficient, and thorough templates.
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During the multiple COVID-19 surges, the department had limited capacity to review
invoices from staffing agencies, which included information for hundreds of travel nurses at approximately $1.8 billion in total volume. As a result, the invoice review and validation process was inefficient, manual, and lacking rigor.
​​Our team analyzed the critical components of the invoice review process and structured
the needs for invoice validation according to the three-way match principle. We
developed a set of invoice review templates to meet validation reporting requirements for efficient data-driven decision-making.​
​​Our efforts cut the average invoice review time by 60%, allowing the department to save
on labor costs and efficiently support hospitals during the COVID-19 surge. As a result, the department's leadership fully understood the process and could make data-driven decisions. Our work helped the department reduce financial risks and increase reliability for future audits.
Rebuilding State Structure Through Strategic Governance and Process Reform
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & NEWS
June 15, 2021 — A state board recently engaged MSS to review and assess its governance structure, related administrative policies, activities, and business processes. As a relatively new and evolving organization, the agency needed MSS to conduct a high-level organizational assessment, collect pain points, and develop policy roadmaps to inform future state recommendations. ​
​​The department received funding to build an administrative organization and needed to align itself with incorporating the new section and updating its policies, processes, and governance structure to ensure efficiency in its operations. Our team identified a clear organizational structure and relevant policies to support the department's ability to function independently. We assessed the department's baseline structure, policies, and processes to identify appropriate recommendations. These recommendations empowered the agency to improve HR operations and implement transformative policies.​
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We reduced overlapping duties among staff, developed mission and vision statements, then refined business processes and reporting by implementing a Matrix Organizational Structure. Our work helped the department better serve its stakeholders and achieve its goals.​
PUBLICATIONS & WHITE PAPERS
AI as a Force Multiplier - Driving Efficiency in State Workforce Agencies
September 10, 2025 — As Metropolitan Strategies and Solutions packs its bags to head to NASWA we’re proud to share our new white paper: “AI as a Force Multiplier: Driving Efficiency in State Workforce Agencies."
We believe the strategic implementation of Artificial Intelligence is no longer a luxury but an essential tool for navigating this new era. This paper provides a clear path forward, presenting AI as a powerful decision support and productivity tool that can augment the capabilities of a strained workforce. We collaborated with two state PFML leaders to ground-truth these ideas and rate their impact and level of effort!
Inside, you will find:
- A breakdown of high-impact AI opportunities across Customer-Facing Services, Core Operations, and Foundational Support functions.
- Specific, vetted initiatives such as an Examiner Reference LLM to accelerate policy research, AI-driven fraud detection, and automated quality review scoring.
- A practical prioritization matrix that identifies "quick wins" to help your agency secure immediate efficiencies and build momentum.
- A phased roadmap—Envision, Prototype, and Implement—to guide a successful and sustainable AI adoption journey.
Our goal is to enhance the human element, not replace it. By empowering your staff with intelligent tools, we can build more resilient, responsive, and effective benefit programs for the future.
Let's start a conversation about building the benefits agency of the future.
A Refined Approach to Measuring Take-up Rate in Paid Family Leave Programs
PUBLICATIONS & WHITEPAPERS
July 21, 2023 — To understand the reach and impact of paid family leave (PFL) programs, examining a program's take-up rate is essential. While there is no well-defined quantitative measure used by government agencies to calculate the take-up rate for PFL benefits accurately, it has been calculated by comparing the total population covered by the program to the portion of that population that participates in the program. This paper calculates a take-up rate using adjustments for the eligible population. The adjustment for the eligible population, instead of the covered population, and using public data sets to augment administrative data from the program provides a different perspective on take-up and program participation.
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A groundbreaking research paper authored by Elliot Schreur, Alice Yu, Sydney Pedigo, Jonathan Standbrook, Michael Taylor, and Unique Morris-Hughes delves deep into the usage of this program. It shows how the "eligible take-up rate" (ETUR) is an essential metric for program leaders and policy decision-makers.
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
One Week of Work, Service and Gratitude
December 19, 2025 — As the year comes to a close, the MSS team recently gathered in New York City for our Q4 retreat. The purpose was to reflect on the work behind us, strengthen the relationships that sustain it, and express gratitude to the clients and communities we serve.
The retreat brought together team members, alumni, partner firms, and friends of the firm. Time was spent learning, reconnecting, and acknowledging the collective effort that drives our impact across projects and geographies.
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The week concluded in Harlem with our annual community service. Alongside Unconditional Freedom, we worked at the Historic Emanuel AME Church to prepare and serve a white-tablecloth, three-course meal for members of the community. The Kingsborough Community College culinary team worked beside us throughout the evening, bringing professionalism, care, and pride to every plate served.
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It was a powerful way to close the year. Service and collaboration at a shared table where the work felt tangible and human.
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We thank Unconditional Freedom and the Historic Emanuel AME Church for welcoming us, the Kingsborough Community College culinary team for working alongside us, and The PIT LOFT for hosting our business improv session earlier in the week. We also thank our clients, partner firms, alumni, and friends for their trust, support, and continued collaboration.
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As we look ahead, we do so grounded in gratitude and clear in purpose. This work is only possible because of the people and communities we are fortunate to serve.
How Sydney Pedigo Delivers Impact at Scale
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
November 22, 2025 — In today's rapidly evolving workforce landscape, organizations are under immense pressure to adapt, innovate, and deliver tangible results. For workforce development agencies, this often means navigating complex legacy systems and shifting perspectives to truly serve their constituents. At MSS, we're proud to highlight how our Senior Manager, Sydney Pedigo, is a driving force behind this transformation, consistently delivering impact at scale by championing human-centered design principles.
Sydney understands that true transformation begins with understanding the people at the heart of the system. Far too often, legacy workforce development systems view individuals as "claimants"—a transactional label that overlooks their unique needs, aspirations, and potential. Sydney's approach fundamentally shifts this perspective, reframing every interaction around the concept of a "customer." This isn't just a semantic change; it's a foundational shift that informs every strategic decision and technological upgrade.
Sydney’s expertise lies in her ability to apply rigorous human-centered design principles to complex operational challenges. She starts by deeply empathizing with the end-users – whether they are job seekers, employers, or case managers. Through in-depth research, journey mapping, and stakeholder collaboration, she uncovers pain points, identifies unmet needs, and designs solutions that are intuitive, efficient, and empowering.
At MSS, we believe that true impact at scale is achieved when innovation is deeply rooted in human understanding. Sydney Pedigo exemplifies this philosophy, continually demonstrating how strategic vision, technological expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the customer can transform workforce development for the better. If your organization is ready to redefine its impact and put the "customer" at the center of its mission, we invite you to connect with us.
New Hire Spotlight: Mona Mackary, Senior Associate
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
October 10, 2024 — Mona Mackary, Senior Associate at Metropolitan Strategies & Solutions (MSS), stands out for her dedication, expertise, and compassionate public health and emergency management leadership. Mona joined MSS to continue her career supporting vulnerable populations after earning her Master of Public Health (MPH) in Social and Behavioral Sciences and Global Health from Yale’s School of Public Health.
Before Yale, Mona worked with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), sharpening her program management skills and reinforcing her commitment to community service. Mona joined MSS to help tackle complex issues through data-driven solutions. "MSS' reputation for strategic consulting and its dedication to meaningful projects aligned perfectly with my professional passions," Mona reflects.
At MSS, Mona leads the Asylum Seeker Data Team (ASDT), ensuring that data collection, analysis, and visualization are conducted precisely to support city crisis response efforts. As Deputy Data Chief, she collaborates with multiple teams to shape policy changes and improve operational processes. Her leadership has been pivotal in building critical partnerships, making her a key figure in MSS' ongoing humanitarian initiatives.
"Working on this team has been incredibly rewarding," Mona shares. "It’s an experience I’ll never forget and has shaped my professional growth." In her role, she applies her extensive data management expertise while developing as a leader, reinforcing MSS’s mission of delivering high-quality strategic solutions.
Mona’s attention to detail, particularly in data integrity, and her ability to communicate complex information are central to her success. Always striving for excellence, she plans to take advanced data visualization and analysis courses to stay ahead of emerging trends. Her commitment to staying informed about evolving policies ensures that her team's work remains timely and impactful.
Outside her professional role, Mona is motivated by the tangible impact her efforts have on public health and vulnerable communities. "Knowing that my work contributes to improving public health and supporting those in need drives me daily," she says. She maintains a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries and making time to unwind; something made more accessible by her supportive team.
Mona aims to deepen her public health and emergency management expertise while taking on more leadership roles at MSS. She is focused on tackling challenging projects that will continue to grow her skill set and have a lasting impact on the communities MSS serves.
Mona’s journey is a testament to the value of curiosity and a commitment to learning. She advises those interested in public health to gain hands-on experience through internships and volunteer work. Her biggest professional inspiration? A mentor whose leadership during the pandemic left a profound mark on her career path.
Summer Intern Spotlight: John Morgan Koo
CASE STUDIES | INDUSTRY
August 28, 2024 — John-Morgan Koo, this summer’s intern at Metropolitan Strategies & Solutions (MSS), is carving his niche with unwavering enthusiasm and a commitment to community well-being. John Morgan's foray into consulting stems from a desire to merge his interests in public health, economics, and entrepreneurship. "I was drawn to MSS’ emphasis on creating impactful solutions for citizens," he reflects.
As a summer intern, John-Morgan's days are a whirlwind of diverse responsibilities. From delving into the intricacies of paid family leave and unemployment insurance to contributing to policy research for public libraries and St. Louis urban planning and design, he has contributed to a wide portfolio of work. His contributions span trust fund forecasting, wireframe development, business development, workshop facilitation, and client presentations. Moreover, he spearheaded the creation of MSS' campus recruitment program, a testament to his initiative and leadership potential.
He's particularly proud of his recent accomplishment of developing a paid family leave tableau training workshop. "Having that responsibility was extremely fulfilling and made me feel valued," he shares.
Looking ahead, John-Morgan envisions a career in consulting, ideally in a field that intertwines healthcare or community engagement. He aspires to gain experience across diverse sectors, seeking purpose-driven work and honing his skills under the mentorship of seasoned professionals.
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Outside work, John-Morgan pursues several hobbies, including working out, listening to music, playing sports, cooking, and drumming. And here's a fun fact his colleagues might not know: he's a black belt in Shotokan Karate!
John-Morgan offers advice for those aspiring to follow a similar path: "Figure out a way to get organized!" Keeping order amidst chaos can be challenging due to the complexity of consulting.
As John-Morgan wraps up his journey here at MSS and returns to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we thank him for his dedication, curiosity, and passion for positive change.
GET IN TOUCH
Our best work happens when great minds connect. Whether you're a potential client with ambitious goals, a firm seeking to create a meaningful partnership, or a talented expert looking for new challenges, we'd like to start a conversation.
202-642-9722
All photos on this site were taken by our creative lead, Rashaun Parks.
© 2026 Metropolitan Strategies & Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.
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+1 202-642-9722 | info@mssolutions.us