In 2020, we confronted the pandemic and made it through together. In 2021, we began setting the stage for recovery. Here in 2022, our leaders are working to ensure that as we implement the recovery, we address the problems and inequities laid bare by the pandemic, and build a stronger society and economy. 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 now leveraging these funds to build a foundation to create a better life for all Americans. The NewDEAL supports their work by highlighting, promoting, and amplifying ideas and best practices for these recovery funds, and by working to strengthen the partnerships between federal, state, and local elected leaders.

Check back often 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

Michigan: Senator Mallory McMorrow introduced a new bill to require postpartum mental health screenings for new mothers. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will provide screenings and resources for mothers after childbirth to ensure the health and safety of newborns and new parents. The bill’s goals include combating the maternal mortality rate in Detroit, which remains three times the national average.

Oregon: Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty announced a $3 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant that will fund the city’s Downtown Loop Complete Street Project. The project is designed to create a more pedestrian-friendly city center with wider sidewalks, protected bike lanes, new bus stops, and signal and intersection improvements.

Tennessee: Tennesseans voted overwhelmingly in favor of a constitutional amendment to remove a loophole that allows slavery as punishment. The ballot measure was created by legislation sponsored by Senator Raumesh Akbari, who spoke about the significance of the effort saying, “Our constitution should reflect our values, and it’s important that we not have any loopholes that will say in any circumstance slavery is permissible.” Nearly 80 percent of voters approved.

Virginia: Mayor Levar Stoney announced an $18 million property tax rebate for Richmond residents. The “Five-Back Initiative” will use 2022 surplus dollars to provide one time rebate checks to qualified Richmond residents in order to provide relief from rising housing costs. Stoney also announced the city’s ongoing efforts for additional reforms to Richmond’s property tax assessment process.

Alabama: Mayor Steven Reed issued a directive to allow Montgomery city workers time off to vote on Tuesday. To increase accessibility and voter turnout, workers received two hours of paid time off to vote during the general election.

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!

Other Past Events

Build Back Better: Climate Change & Public Health

April 13, 2021

with speakers Terry Tamminen, former Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency; Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation; and NewDEAL Leaders Wisconsin Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes and Norfolk, VA Councilmember Andria McClellan

Build Back Better: Fighting COVID through Vaccination

March 9, 2021

with featured speakers NewDEAL Leaders Long Beach, CA Mayor Robert Garcia and Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, and contributions from other NewDEAL Leaders from around the country

Build Back Better: What’s in Store in 2021

February 18, 2021

with speakers Congressman Scott Peters, New Democrat Coalition Vice Chair of Policy; Oregon Treasurer Tobias Read; Shelby County, TN Mayor Lee Harris; Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego; and Zach Butterworth, White House Office of Public Engagement.

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