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

APPRENTICESHIPS

Pennsylvania: Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti announced city grants for the Carpenters’ Apprentice Ready Program (CARP) and the Scranton Electricians Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) to support local unions training future skilled workers. “These local apprenticeships provide training, personal equipment, and teaching materials so we can kickstart the next generation of union careers in Scranton,” said Mayor Cognetti.

HOUSING

Michigan: Lansing Mayor Andy Schor is championing a plan to build nearly 600 housing units in downtown Lansing, providing more units of mixed-income, multi-family, and dense housing to bridge the housing shortage. The project plans to use $300 million in funds across five sites that are being revamped for residential and commercial space. Lansing City Council will review and cast a final passage vote for the proposal.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Tennessee: Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris announced a partnership with the City of Memphis to establish a Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement. This collaboration will merge existing city and county safety programs and allow the municipalities to work collaboratively to decrease violence, using a data-driven approach to distribute resources and implement intervention strategies that respond to community needs.

SAFETY NET

Ohio: Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin highlighted a two-year pilot program to provide cash payments to low-income Columbus residents. The $2.5 million program provides $500 a month to those participating in programs offering job training, career services, and wealth-building guidance. “Through this program, we’re giving Columbus residents a crucial stepping stone from simply getting by to truly thriving,” said Hardin.

VOTING RIGHTS & MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Virginia: Delegate Mark Sickles is championing legislation to amend the Virginia Constitution to repeal a provision that defines marriage as a union between a woman and a man and, instead, enshrine marriage as a “fundamental right inherent in the liberty of persons.” Also advancing is a proposal from Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker to amend the Virginia Constitution to automatically restore the voting rights to felons who have served their sentence. Currently, voting rights must be manually reinstated by the governor. Both bills passed committee and will proceed to the House floor, with the marriage equality bill receiving bipartisan support.

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!