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 Jose Mayor Matt Mahan highlighted case studies of the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) to modernize government operations at the GovAI Coalition Summit. The GovAI Coalition, which Mahan helped launch last year, has brought together hundreds of local, state, and federal agencies to share strategies, tools, and best practices to accelerate AI adoption. The summit featured early innovative AI applications such as predictive flood monitoring, automated grant writing, and proactive city maintenance.

ECONOMIC MOBILITY

Ohio: Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin launched the Economic Mobility Accelerator Program, which will provide 200 households with a $500 monthly stipend. The program requires program participants to enroll in job training or career services programs. “Through this program, we’re giving Columbus residents a crucial stepping stone from simply getting by to truly thriving,” said Hardin.

INFRASTRUCTURE

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg highlighted the transformative economic impact of the new $1.2 billion terminal under construction at the San Antonio International Airport, emphasizing its role in job creation and regional growth. He noted that the construction alone will generate 16,000 jobs. Mayor Nirenberg framed the terminal as a critical investment in the city’s future, aligning with its growing status as a global business and travel hub.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Alabama: Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and the city council approved an agreement with the Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance to implement the ‘Gun Safety Initiative.’ The city will use $100,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to provide education and resources for the safe storage of firearms.

REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM

Michigan: Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and Senator Mallory McMorrow are championing legislation passed by the Senate that would empower Michiganders to plan their families and futures. Brinks has led Senate Democrats to pass the Freedom to Plan Act, which breaks down financial barriers to over-the-counter and emergency contraceptives. Another part of the effort is Senator McMorrow’s Reproductive Health Data Privacy Act, which addresses privacy concerns shared by many women who were unaware their data was being collected by health tracking apps.

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!