Learn about our policy groups
The NewDEAL Forum advances its mission by researching, identifying and sharing state and local pro-growth progressive policy ideas and bringing together public, private and non-profit sector policy experts to exchange ideas and discuss the country’s biggest challenges. Our policy groups and task force help identify and spread proven solutions for the big challenges we face as a nation. In addition, the Forum encourages the exchange, sharing and dissemination of ideas via conferences and other in-person and virtual convening.
One of the key ways that the Forum brings experts and electeds together is through policy working groups centered on key challenges facing Americans today. These working groups convene to research and discuss best practices and successful policies to tackle major issues, from preparing for the future of work to responding to climate change. Working groups develop policy recommendations, released publicly, and work to disseminate these recommendations both digitally and through national tours.
The NewDEAL Forum currently has five active policy working groups:
The Forum also hosts the Renewing America Task Force focused on the economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic, and the Future of Work Group.
Artificial Intelligence
Launched in summer of 2024, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force brings together state and local elected officials along with experts from non-profits and industry to explore AI's potential to make government work better. The group’s efforts will recognize the importance of President Biden’s recent executive order outlining eight guiding principles and priorities for AI use while underscoring the significant role and opportunities for state and local governments to both complement that effort and, crucially, to pass legislation and implement AI policies in ways that increase efficiency and responsiveness of government agencies and support responsible economic growth.
The AI Task Force will provide assistance, information, and guidance for state and local elected officials, helping them develop actionable recommendations that leverage AI for the public good while ensuring responsible development and deployment.
EDUCATION
The NewDEAL Forum Education Policy Group leverages the expertise of public and non-profit thought leaders to identify the most effective, actionable solutions to graduate more students on track for success in post secondary opportunities and the workplace.
Led by co-chairs Georgia Senator Elena Parent and Montgomery, AL, Mayor Steven Reed, the Education Policy Group has built on recommendations produced by the NewDEAL Forum Future of Work Policy Group to ensure all students have access to high quality college and career pathways, including by improving linkages between K-12, higher education, and industry.The group holds regular forums to discuss these issues, and has also tackled ways to more equitably distribute education resources and ensure all students have access to high-speed internet.
Democracy
In the aftermath of the 2020 election, the United States came dangerously close to full democratic upheaval with the January 6 insurrection and efforts to overturn election results. Were it not for the heroic actions from a handful of state and local elected officials from both parties, the outcome could have been far worse. Far from being over, since January 6, anti-democratic efforts to block access to the ballot box have continued in state legislatures and courtrooms across the country. It is imperative – and urgent – that we shore up our democratic process to withstand attacks on its legitimacy, especially as we head into the 2024 Presidential Election.
The group, led by Secretaries of State Jocelyn Benson (Michigan) and Adrian Fontes (Arizona), Nevada Assemblymember Sandra Jauregui, and Montgomery County (PA) Commissioner Ken Lawrence, highlights the vital role state and local officials play in our elections, including where, how, and when Americans can vote. The Democracy Working Group is focused on efforts to protect voter rights; secure and expand access to the ballot box for every eligible voter; ensure election integrity; address security, and promote civic education and engagement.
Broadband
Amid the many changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to virtual schooling, remote work, and telemedicine made it clear: equitable access to the Internet is essential. The Broadband Task Force identifies major obstacles limiting access to high-speed internet, develops state and local solutions, and advocates for a strong federal-state-local partnership. Equity is a cornerstone of the Task Force’s work, recognizing the disturbingly high lack of internet access among certain communities, including for people of color.
Chaired by Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, North Carolina Senator Jay Chaudhuri, and Fulton County (GA) Commissioner Dana Barrett, the group brings together state and local officials with policy experts and partners from the non-profit and private sectors. The Task Force convenes regularly for in-depth conversations on closing the digital divide and to highlight effective efforts in communities across the country.
Climate Change
The dramatic impacts of climate change are not theoretical predictions for the future, but rather part of our present reality. State and local governments have always had a critical role in addressing these challenges and, now more than ever, we must provide the leadership the country needs to limit the devastating effects of global warming. The Climate Change Policy Group is focused specifically on how states and localities can maximize the clean energy benefits of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and other funding streams created during the Biden Administration. The group has paid special attention to IRA, the largest single investment in green energy and climate change in our country’s history, and how state and local leaders can both help ensure those funds are used wisely and enact policies to complement them.
Renewing America
The coronavirus pandemic presented not only the most significant public health challenge the world has faced in decades, but also a formidable economic challenge that has exposed fragility and instability in American society, as well as long-time injustices and inequalities exacerbated by the virus.
The Renewing America Task Force identified and promoted the most effective state and local policy solutions for rebuilding the nation’s economy in the wake of the pandemic. Innovative state and local elected officials convened with top experts to address immediate and long-term challenges around issues critical to the economic recovery, such as increasing affordable housing, supporting entrepreneurs and local economic development, improving access to high-speed internet, and modernizing and strengthening the social safety net.
The Future of Work
The NewDEAL Forum created its first working group around the Future of Work to research and disseminate best practices about how state and local governments can best expand opportunity for all in the changing economy. The group took an in-depth look at how the changing nature will impact jobs, and what key challenges government will need to address including:
Skill building and education/workforce development aligned to 21st century jobs
Modernizing the social safety net, including portable worker benefits to ensure economic security in a dynamic job market
Best practices on how states and localities should approach regulation of new industries and technologies that enable private sector innovation growth, while ensuring opportunity for workers