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

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Michigan: Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist released the Michigan Statewide Infrastructure Work Plan, a comprehensive strategy to provide training for at least 5,000 new infrastructure workers by 2030. The plan is built on four key strategies: expanding training programs, prioritizing the accessibility of infrastructure jobs, tailoring workforce development to specific industry and regional needs, and building up K-12 infrastructure career pathways.

ENVIRONMENT

California: Senator Ben Allen’s Right to Clean Water Act was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. In response to environmental rollbacks at the federal level, his bill would create a simplified, consistent framework for water standards across the state and provide waterways with the same protections against pollution as they previously received under the federal Clean Water Act.

HOUSING

Nevada: Assemblymembers Sandra Jauregui and Daniele Monroe-Moreno’s bills to strategically combat Nevada’s affordable housing crisis are advancing through the legislature. A Jauregui bill approved by the Assembly would require counties to speed up the re-zoning processes to transform underutilized commercial property into residential or mixed use units. A Monroe-Moreno proposal would allocate $25 million to fund supportive housing initiatives for Nevadans experiencing homelessness.

HOUSING

Arkansas: Representative Nicole Clowney’s legislation supporting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) was signed into law. Her efforts will grant homeowners the right to build ADUs on their property, expanding the housing options available to Arkansas residents. Advocates have praised the legislation, with writer Matt Yglesias, commenting “Even low-cost states benefit from smart bipartisan land use reform!”

HOUSING

Texas: San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg cut the ribbon on the city’s first completed rental housing rehabilitation project made possible by the affordable housing bond he championed in 2022. This project marks a milestone in San Antonio’s Strategic Housing Implementation Plan to update and preserve older housing stock in addition to building new developments to increase options. This project opens up over 200 affordable and workforce units for local families.

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!