Event Recap
This week, the NewDEAL Forum hosted policymakers and partners from the public and private sectors to share ideas, hear about models from Phoenix, and engage in conversations about key issues facing communities across the country. In a series of insightful panels and dynamic breakout sessions, attendees discussed the political landscape of the Copper State heading into November, the plethora of opportunities to catalyze local climate solutions using federal investments, the challenges of administering safe and secure elections in the face of physical and digital threats, and the possibilities for effective governing solutions offered by artificial intelligence.
If you weren't able to join us, check out our event recap below and be sure to watch the video recordings from each of the plenary sessions.
Welcoming Remarks
NewDEAL Forum CEO Debbie Cox Bultan welcomed attendees to the Ideas Summit, sharing recent polling data conducted by the NewDEAL about key issues heading into November. According to the results, Bultan shared that the issues of freedom and democracy top voters' concerns in 2024. "When it comes to whether this will matter come election day, majorities nationally and in Arizona say that the party they associate with freedom will influence how they vote," Cox Bultan said. "This underscores the need to make the case for a freedom-framed agenda."
Attendees were also greeted by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, who touched on both the Arizona Supreme Court's recent abortion ruling as well as exciting developments coming out of Phoenix. "While our abortion laws are 160 years backwards, we’re doing many forward thinking things as well," she said, highlighting monumental investments in the semiconductor industry, transit, and more. Gallego also encouraged attendees to get out and explore the Valley of the Sun, spotlighting Phoenix's vibrant downtown and awesome natural beauty.
Democracy: How to ensure a smooth election in this era of physical and digital threats
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes provided a first-hand account of the state of our elections system, reflecting on the experiment of democracy in the United States and a need to not only defend the institution but to hone it in an ever-changing world. He was joined by Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates and Jefferson County, CO, Clerk & Recorder Amanda Gonzalez for an in-depth conversation about running safe and secure elections in an increasingly hostile national climate. The Washington Post's Yvonne Wingett Sanchez moderated the conversation, which covered issues such as election worker retention, misinformation, civic engagement, and much more.
Fireside Chat with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb on Making the Most of Biden-era Initiatives
Ryan Coonerty, co-host of the NewDEAL's podcast, An Honorable Profession, led an informative fireside conversation with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb about successful implementations of federal funds into community projects. Bibb detailed how he has taken advantage of Biden-era laws like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the American Rescue Plan Act to create jobs, modernize city hall, address public health concerns, bolster climate solutions, and more. He also emphasized that "these funds are giving cities a once-in-a-generation opportunity to focus on equality, bridging the racial wealth gap."
Education: Solutions to Improve Economic Opportunities
CEO of Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) Jorge Elorza previewed new polling from DFER displaying the partisan divide on education issues and the importance of these debates for state and local leaders. "When education is done right, it’s the great equalizer in society," Elorza said. "When it’s not done right, it’s probably the greatest source of inequality in our society." He then joined Massachusetts Senator Pavel Payano and Florida Representative Christine Hunschosky for a panel conversation moderated by DFER's Alisha Thomas-Searcy, which addressed solutions to provide effective pathway programs for students, suport teachers, and offer public, rather than private, school choice.
Climate Change: Innovative State and Local Solutions
New Hampshire Senator and co-chair of the NewDEAL Forum's Climate Policy Group Rebecca Perkins Kwoka led Summit attendees through a conversation on local climate solutions. Nicole Darnall of the Arizona State University Sustainable Purchasing Research Initiative, Jennifer Pett-Ridge of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Michigan Senator Sam Singh addressed how to make climate-friendly procurement decisions, take immediate steps to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, and leverage recent federal investments while creating good jobs. "We’re not going to avert the climate crisis as a whole, but we’re never going to get another opportunity like this," Senator Singh said of the possibilities presented by the Biden-Harris Administration's investments in climate solutions.
Lessons from Arizona: Understanding the Issues that will define 2024
Our second day of programming kicked off with a panel on issues and trends impacting the political landscape, moderated by Senior Advisor to the NewDEAL Emily Cain with panelists Arizona Corporation Commissioner Anna Tovar, Lake Strategies Partners' Joshua Ulibarri, and Slingshot Campaigns' Tony Cani. For the panelists, whose collective expertise on AZ's political landscape was invaluable, issues like choice and immigration will be key to voters this fall. Moreover, the panelists emphasized the importance of messaging, characterizing Arizona voters as practical champions of collaboration, who are turned off by extremism.
Artificial Intelligence: How cities and states Can use AI to make government work better
In our closing session, Silicon Valley Leadership Group's Ahmad Thomas led a conversation on the abundant opportunities of artificial intelligence to improve government operations. Joined by Colleen Schwab of Amazon Web Services and ASU's Cloud Innovation Program and Stephen Caines, Chief Innovation Officer for San José, Thomas guided attendees through a discussion on the basic functions of AI, and how tech-forward cities are using the technology to support unhoused populations, address public health concerns, and modernize government operations. "Understanding what generative AI can do can help people understand why this is such a powerful tool when used in the right manner," Thomas said, as the panelists encouraged attendees to take small steps towards AI tools rather than worry about massive technological overhauls.