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

California: San José Mayor Matt Mahan announced that since implementing the generative A.I. translation tool Wordly, the city has seen a 300% increase in participation by Spanish-speakers in city meetings. The move to Wordly has also eliminated the need for human translators, saving taxpayers money and making the meetings more accessible.

HOUSING

Nevada: Las Vegas City Councilman Brian Knudsen has spearheaded investment in Nevada’s new Campus for Hope, a $200 million facility designed to combat the root causes of homelessness. The facility includes 900 shelter beds and a range of social services including health and legal services, job training, and housing placement assistance. The inspiration for the Campus of Hope came from a similar project in San Antonio – a city led by fellow NewDEALer Mayor Ron Nirenberg – which has decreased its downtown homeless population by 77%.

OVERSIGHT

New Jersey: A bill sponsored by Senator Raj Mukherji to make government services more efficient has been voted out of committee. Under the Ease of Doing Government Business Act, government agencies would be required to implement and expand online resources, automated systems, and other technologies that simplify and streamline the delivery of government services. In addition, agencies would undergo annual reviews to ensure that they are effectively serving residents. “While government may not be in the business of turning a profit, it absolutely should be in the business of delivering value,” Mukherji said.

TRANSPARENCY

Missouri: St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones announced the release of an interactive Neighborhood Transformation Investment Map, providing more transparency into city projects. This map will better inform residents about investments like transportation infrastructure and housing developments.

WORKFORCE

Nebraska: Lincoln Mayor Gaylor Baird and City Councilmember Tom Beckius launched “Workforce Week,” highlighting the investments the city has made in developing and expanding its workforce using American Rescue Plan Act funds. Since 2021, city leaders have helped over 1,400 community members to gain job skills, earn new credentials, and start careers. Gaylor Baird capped off the week by announcing a new Future-Ready Workforce Initiative, which will provide scholarships to unemployed and underemployed Lincolnites for training in high-demand careers, such as electricity, HVAC, and automotive servicing.

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!