The MetroTrends blog emphasized poverty policy this week with a range of posts describing the state of the economy, the policies aiming to support struggling families, and the effects of recent legislation. We also provide a perhaps-surprising look at the future value of an investment in higher education. It’s all here on MetroTrends:

• Greg Acs provides an overview of the Urban Institute’s Unemployment and Recovery Project, highlighting the insightful policy analysis it has produced
• Margaret Simms details the latest Unemployment and Recovery Project brief: how minorities are underrepresented in Unemployment Insurance receipt
• Greg Mills is optimistic about the effect of Obamacare on SNAP (food stamp) take-up: read how it could benefit states and low-income people
• Josh Mitchell asks what the value of a bachelor’s degree will actually be over the next decade: the answer may surprise you
• Molly Scott describes effective strategies in Portland, Oregon to help immigrant families assimilate to live in the U.S.

Next week: it’s back to school and many families will struggle with child care and school readiness