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

DEMOCRACY

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes were featured this week for their leadership developing tools and best practices to address AI challenges related to this year’s elections, such as training exercises for election workers to spot and respond to threats. Read more, and listen to a full discussion with the secretaries and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan from Democracy Docket, the acclaimed digital news platform dedicated to information, analysis and opinion about voting rights and elections.

HOUSING

Massachusetts: The Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed the Affordable Homes Act, sponsored by Senator Pavel Payano, which combines $5.4 billion in funding with policy reforms to reduce development barriers and alleviate the housing shortage. The Act allocated $2.2 billion for upgrades to public housing, including $150 million for energy-efficient upgrades, and dedicated funding specifically to environmentally friendly construction, homeowner growth, and water, sewer, septic, and transportation development. Finally, it protects tenants from evictions, broker fees, and establishes equity-focused housing offices.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Connecticut: Senator Christine Cohen, as Senate chair of the Transportation Committee, announced a $2.3 million grant for walkability improvements in the 12th District from the Department of Transportation’s Community Connectivity Grant Program. The funding will expand sidewalks, install traffic signals and pedestrian crossings, and improve roads. Cohen stated that the initiative “helps foster walkable neighborhoods, which increases our connection to our neighbors.” He hoped to “encourage our communities to get outside, move their bodies, and not rely on single-use motor vehicle transportation.”

PUBLIC SAFETY

Alabama: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed unveiled the success of a new police initiative to address a recent local spike in crime. The Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit combines federal, state, and local law enforcement officials to target violent repeat offenders. In the month since hitting the street, the Task Force has reduced crime statistics significantly from the spring. The unprecedented cross-agency cooperation directly responds to the rising concerns of Montgomery residents, many of whom packed City Hall meetings to make their experiences known.

SUSTAINABILITY

Maryland: Senator Sarah Elfreth’s bill to create a Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program has gone into effect. To help reach Maryland’s goal of 14.5% solar energy by 2030, the legislation creates a sunset for tax incentives for solar energy projects to ensure that low- and middle-income communities can be paid family-sustaining wages when working on solar projects. The goal is to layer federal labor standards into the large-scale solar projects in Maryland and facilitate their development.

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!