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

ELECTIONS

Arizona & Colorado: Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (AZ) and Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez (CO) were honored by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission with Clearinghouse Awards. Secretary Fontes and his office received a “Clearie” for their Election Administration Student Fellowship Program, which introduced college students to careers in election administration during the 2024 election. Gonzalez and her team were honored for an initiative that proactively streamlines signature verification for first time voters, reducing ballot rejections and ensuring secure and fair elections.

Watch both winners on May 6 in a conversation about the state of democracy at the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit.

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Alabama: Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin was featured for a series of steps he has taken to encourage economic growth in the city, such as creating a workforce tax abatement to help employers pay their workers living wages and making the city more attractive to recent college graduates. Woodfin has also been recognized for founding Birmingham Promise, a citywide program that offers two and four-year scholarships to in-state colleges and allows students to earn credits from working part-time jobs.

TECHNOLOGY

California: Senator  Josh Becker will chair the newly formed Senate Select Committee on Economic Development and Technological Innovation, tasked with bolstering the state’s edge in advanced industries and tech‑enabled governance.  The committee’s goal is to review policies and case studies to craft recommendations that help retain cutting‑edge companies, attract high‑quality jobs, and modernize public services statewide.

CLIMATE

Michigan: Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist announced the launch of the MI Healthy Climate Challenge, which will award millions of dollars in grants to sustainable climate initiatives across the state. The Challenge is part of Michigan’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 52% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

IMMIGRATION

Georgia: Senate Minority Caucus Chair Elena Parent and other Democratic leaders unveiled a new bill that would require that a person receive a hearing before any formal deportation is carried out by local law‑enforcement agencies. Parent framed the effort as a necessary safeguard after high‑profile mistakes like the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from Maryland, warning that such errors erode public trust and endanger civil rights.

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!