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

CLIMATE

New Mexico: Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller signed an executive order to accelerate renewable energy projects and preserve Albuquerque’s 30,000+ acres of natural space. Keller’s action is in part a response to a recent federal order that seeks to rollback air and land protections for coal production, and aims to increase urban shade cover, preserve parks, and transition to 100% renewable energy for city operations before 2026. “We’re staying the course for clean air, for public health, and for a future where every family has a shot at a healthy life,” Mayor Keller said.

ECONOMY .

Massachusetts: Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll launched the Tariff Response and Business Operations Support Initiative (TRBO) to identify and alleviate the impacts of changing tariffs. “Through TRBO, we will work with business leaders, community stakeholders and talented people from across the manufacturing sector to ensure that Massachusetts stays the course through these challenging times,” said Driscoll.

HEALTHCARE

Connecticut: Comptroller Sean Scanlon announced the expansion of healthcare benefits for hundreds of firefighters enrolled in the state health plan. The plan will now offer free preventative scans once every two years and aims to catch signs of cancer, one of the leading causes of death for firefighters, in its early stages.

HOUSING

Ohio: Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s “Home for Every Neighbor Initiative” has housed 154 unsheltered people, connecting each one with a case worker to support them with job opportunities and addiction recovery as they transition to more stable housing. The program surpassed its initial goal to house 150 people within 18 months of its launch and can now successfully move into its second phase as community leaders strive to end homelessness across the city.

HOUSING

Arizona: Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego shared successful strategies from her Housing Phoenix Plan, which recently achieved its ambitious goal of creating or preserving 50,000 units — five years ahead of schedule. Mayor Gallego highlighted building up a community land trust, utilizing city land for housing construction, helping teachers and firefighters with down payments, and ensuring that the diversity of Phoenix’s residents is reflected through the construction of a variety of housing models as types as key components of her successful housing plan.

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!