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.

This week’s five stories on Implementing the Recovery in the States

Alabama: To close childcare gaps and increase workforce participation, House Minority Leader Anthony Danielssuccessfully championed a tax credit program to incentivize employers to provide childcare for employees earning under $80,000. Taking effect in 2025 after passing with bipartisan support, the program offers credits to fully reimburse up to $600,000 per eligible company. The law also includes tax credits and grants for childcare providers to address affordability and improve the quality of care.

Colorado: In an effort to address alarming rates of suicide and declining mental health among farmers, the state of Colorado is launching the Ag Behavioral Work Group, established by a bill from Representative Meghan Lukens. Rep. Lukens worked closely with the Colorado Farmers Union to craft the legislation, which will identify how to get more behavioral healthcare to farmers and their families by compiling best practices, identifying gaps in service, and collaborating with other stakeholders.

Alabama: Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin launched the HEART (Homeless Engagement Assistance Response Team) Birmingham program, a $1.7 million initiative in partnership with Urban Alchemy. A 20-person team will provide compassionate, non-police responses to homelessness while connecting individuals to vital resources such as interim housing and hygiene services. Woodfin highlighted the program’s goal of upholding dignity and fostering a city where every resident is valued.

California: In the absence of an emergency homeless shelter in Orange County, Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento is moving to allocate $150,000 in discretionary funds towards a voucher program to provide shelter to children and families facing housing insecurity through the winter months. With close to 700 students and 350 families in Orange County presently experiencing homelessness, Sarmiento’s proposal will expand shelter accessibility and partner with schools to identify those in need.

New Jersey: Senator Raj Mukherji’s bill to extend the protected tenancy period for senior citizens and people with physical and mental disabilities received unanimous support in its first committee hearing. People who are on fixed incomes can struggle to keep up with inflation-related adjustments to rent; this bill aims to keep the vulnerable population in their homes by extending tenant protections from 40 years to their full lifetimes.

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.

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.

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

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.

Other Past Events

Latest Past Events

Build Back Better: Climate Change & Public Health

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; […]

Build Back Better: Fighting COVID through Vaccination

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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZOSq1hMNZQ

Build Back Better: What’s in Store in 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 […]