Nowak Metro Finance Lab

Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson calls for a national shift from scarcity toward building and innovation, but today’s diminished federal role means this vision must be realized at state, local, and cross-sector levels. Delivering abundance now depends on empowering local actors, diffusing best practices nationwide, and leveraging networks of problem-solvers to achieve transformative change from the ground up.

The U.S. faces a deep housing crisis driven by demand outpacing supply, and Atlanta has pioneered a new model for addressing it through its Housing Strike Force. Launched in 2022 under Mayor Andre Dickens, the Strike Force unites leaders across public agencies to coordinate housing efforts, streamline processes, and unlock public land for development. Supported by a dedicated housing team in the mayor’s office, Atlanta has already delivered or started nearly 12,000 of its 20,000-unit affordable housing goal.

The O.H.I.O. Fund is a bold, locally driven investment initiative aiming to raise $500 million to fuel Ohio’s economic growth. With $240 million raised and $130 million invested since June 2024, it backs high-growth companies, real estate, and infrastructure while fostering long-term local ownership and impact. Inspired by Singapore’s Temasek, the fund reflects a shift toward state-led, network-powered economic development.

The State and Local Housing Action Plan, created with Accelerator for America through the National Housing Crisis Taskforce, shows how state and local governments are taking the lead in addressing the housing crisis through innovative tools in land, capital, construction, regulation, and governance. By coordinating efforts across sectors, communities can expand housing access and affordability—even without new federal support.