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

City Council President Shannon Hardin (OH) – Standing with Somali Residents

Watch the Clip from Spectrum 1 News

Key Insight: Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin gathered with city leaders to show solidarity with Somali residents, following Trump’s intense comments regarding Somali immigrants. Hardin says “evil rhetoric” like that has no place in Columbus and that “we are a stronger community” because of our Somali neighbors. Hardin and his fellow councilmembers are calling on Columbus to support Somali-owned businesses and report harassment.

Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis (PA) – Criticizing Trump’s Economic Agenda

Watch the Clip from CBS 21 News

Key Insight: Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis condemned Trump’s recent visit to Pennsylvania on his “affordability tour.” He argues that there is a bipartisan consensus that Trump’s economic policies have failed working-class Pennsylvanians, labeling them a “disaster.” Davis claims that Trump “has his work cut out for him in Pennsylvania” as residents can see through the hypocrisy of an economic message of affordability.

Mayor Tim Keller (NM) – Pledging a Path Forward in Troubling Times

Watch the Clip from KOB 4 News

Key Insight: Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller won reelection Tuesday night, thanking the city for trusting his leadership to see them through difficult times and acknowledging the work ahead to address persistent issues in the city. He shared that his election is a “mandate to stay the course on major issues”, pleading to support the homeless, fight crime, and pursue innovative solutions for affordable housing.

Mayor Corey Woods (AZ) – Accelerating Educational Quality of Tempe Schools

Watch the Clip from Arizona Horizon (PBS)

Key Insight: Tempe Mayor Corey Woods speaks on a new partnership, THRIVE, between ASU and Tempe Public Schools to create a pipeline from Pre-K to PhD. He stresses that improving the educational quality of Tempe Public Schools is a “critical priority” in ensuring the economic development and continued social growth of Tempe. Woods emphasizes that business and academic interests are closely intertwined, encouraging businesses to collaborate with local partners in nurturing the next generation of students.

Mayor Michelle Wu (MA) – Defending the Losses of Boston Immigrants

Watch the Clip from NBC 10 News

Key Insight: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu calls the Trump Administration “cruel” for their last-minute denial of dozens of immigrations at a naturalization ceremony in the city. Wu acknowledges the “effort and preparation” that these families undertook to reach this stage, sharing how devastated they must feel to have their excitement stolen from them by immigration officials.

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!