Implementing The Recovery

In 2020, we confronted the pandemic and made it through together. In 2021, we began setting the stage for recovery. NewDEAL Leaders are continuing the work to build a stronger society and economy and address the problems and inequalities laid bare by the pandemic. The Biden-Harris Administration has led the federal government in providing the funds and resources state and local governments need to recover, and NewDEAL Leaders are delivering tangible results for their communities and advancing policy solutions and programs to create a better life for all Americans. The NewDEAL supports their work by highlighting, promoting, and amplifying ideas and best practices, and by working to strengthen the partnerships between federal, state, and local elected leaders.

Check back each week for new policy recommendations, details on work done by NewDEALers, and recordings of events featuring thought leaders, experts, and NewDEALers on the ground.

The American Rescue Plan – Impact in the States

One Year Later
Ongoing Impact Addendum

As we look back on the year and a half since the passage of the American Rescue Plan, take a look at our reports for successes stories from across the country to see how investments from state and local officials from NewDEAL’s network of innovative leaders are not only changing the present, but building lasting change for millions of Americans.

Read Both Reports Here!

This week’s five stories on Implementing the Recovery in the States

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Colorado: Senator Lindsey Daugherty is spearheading legislation that aims to enhance the state’s wildfire response by deploying AI-powered detection cameras along with wildfire mitigation and prediction software. Daugherty emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of using funds from the state’s unused property holdings for the initiative, citing the significant economic and human toll of wildfires.

CONSUMER PROTECTION & HEALTH

Connecticut: Democratic Senators, led by Majority Leader Bob Duff and Senator James Maroney, introduced legislation to address key consumer and public health issues. SB 3 seeks to permanently expand the state’s attorney general’s authority to target unfair pricing during economic disruptions, while also adding consumer protections from junk fees, as well as right to repair protections. SB 7, the “Shield Bill,” would enact new public health safeguards from federal intervention by maintaining water fluoridation, access to essential abortion pills, and a new emergency fund to protect against potential healthcare emergencies.

HOUSING

California: Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore has worked with the Board of Supervisors to speed the construction of affordable housing by temporarily suspending impact fees for new projects. Historically used to fund utilities, parks, and services, these fees are increasingly viewed by housing advocates as obstacles to new developments. The Board has voted to suspend these fees for two years, during which staff will study the current structure and determine more targeted alternatives.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Alabama: State Representative Philip Ensler has announced a series of bills aimed at improving public safety, particularly for young people, by banning Glock switches, increasing conflict resolution programming in schools, and expanding mental healthcare offerings for students and educators. Ensler’s approach to safety blends law enforcement support with community-based violence intervention programs to engage community stakeholders.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Utah: Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s recently announced comprehensive plan to address crime and improve public safety has received bipartisan support from Governor Spencer Cox and members of the Republican-controlled state legislature. With 50 concrete initiatives, Mendenhall aims to address crime at its root causes by expanding access to permanent housing and temporary shelters and by increasing mental and behavioral healthcare offerings, while also beefing up police presence in downtown Salt Lake City.

Tracking the Recovery database

Explore our new database of ways NewDEALers around the country are using stimulus funds to build back better and speed up the recovery as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Explore the Database

The Equity Initiative

Hear from NewDEALers on how they’re tackling systemic injustice, and how they’re working to ensure we address discrimination at the core of our institutions in this historic time of disruption.

Explore the Initiative

How to Get and Use Infrastructure Funds for Climate Impact

The NewDEAL, in partnership with Third Way, hosted a virtual forum on February 15, 2022, focusing on how state and local leaders can maximize the impact of federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on promoting clean energy and other climate solutions. Click below to read takeaways, or watch the recording of the event.

Featured speakers:

Elizabeth Noll, Deputy Assistant Secretary for House Affairs, Department of Energy;
Aimee Witteman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, Department of Energy;
Former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu;
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Director of the Climate and Energy Program, Third Way;
Shalini Vajjhala, Executive Director, San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center;
NewDEAL Leader Michigan Senator Mallory McMorrow;
Trenton Allen, Managing Director and CEO, Sustainable Capital Advisors;
and NewDEAL Leader Norfolk, VA Councilmember Andria McClellan

Read event takeaways here!

Improving Access to Affordable Housing

At our housing virtual forum on March 18, 2022, the NewDEAL convened elected officials with experts to discuss how state and local leaders can take meaningful actions on housing solutions to help with affordability in their communities. Click below to read quick takeaways from the event, or to view a recording.

Featured speakers:

Richard Cho, Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;
Paraag Sarva, CEO, Rhino;
Michela Zonta, Senior Policy Analyst for Housing Policy Center for American Progress;
and NewDEAL Leaders:
- Kansas City, MO Mayor Quinton Lucas;
- New Hampshire Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka;
- and Massachusetts Representative Andy Vargas.

Read event takeaways here!