The 2022 G7 Urban Ministers' meeting highlighted cities' role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and addressing climate change, advocating for multilateral action and bottom-up approaches to tackle global challenges.

Erie, Pennsylvania, has developed a strategic Playbook with 35 projects focused on revitalizing the city, prioritizing equity by supporting minority-owned businesses and homeowners. These projects aim to drive inclusive growth by leveraging federal resources and local assets for community revitalization.

As the United States emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is becoming increasingly clear that cities are entering a period of deep economic uncertainty and adjustment.

This paper is deeper discussion about more ambitious interventions that cities must design and deliver to spark an inclusive long-term recovery, particularly absent the arrival of federal funding for structural investments in housing, childcare, or higher education.

Cities must adapt to a “New Disorder” driven by economic shifts, technology, and geopolitics. U.S. leaders are responding with investment strategies, new financial tools, and innovation to stay competitive.

Following the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, the Nowak Lab and New Localism Associates created an "Investment Playbook" tool to help cities strategically allocate federal funds. The tool helps cities identify key recovery projects and ensure investments align with local priorities. Examples from Buffalo, El Paso, Dayton, West Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh show how communities are using the Playbook to guide revitalization and economic growth.

Charles de Gaulle’s 1930s critique of France’s outdated military strategy highlights a parallel concern for the U.S. today. With massive infrastructure investments underway, there’s a risk of focusing too heavily on traditional projects while neglecting innovation and regional competitiveness. As the country faces democratic challenges, local collaboration could be key to ensuring these investments drive long-term prosperity and progress.

With the bipartisan infrastructure bill signed, the challenge now shifts from legislation to local implementation. The U.S. faces a delivery crisis due to fragmented federal programs, complex funding processes, and a lack of local capacity. To maximize impact, the country needs a surge in skilled community builders, streamlined project financing, and institutional transformation.

The election of New York City’s 110th mayor this November could coincide with one of the most economically transformative periods of federal investment since the New Deal or the Great Society. By an accident of history, Eric Adams could become mayor at a time when he’ll have considerable potential to profoundly shape the future of New York.

The economic recovery especially for families and communities of color will need more than just relief from a year of a pandemic; the recovery calls for community equity.

In our report, we advocate for targeted policies and investments that promote homeownership and build community equity as a means to reduce the racial wealth divide and outline actionable steps for policymakers, financial institutions, and community organizations to support sustainable homeownership and community development initiatives that can foster long-term wealth building in historically marginalized communities​.

The federal government is making historic investments to drive equitable economic recovery through ARPA, infrastructure funding, and workforce initiatives. However, bridging the disconnect between siloed federal programs and holistic local efforts requires new tools.

Buffalo’s East Side Avenues Initiative demonstrates how coordinated, multi-sector investments in small business, placemaking, and workforce development can regenerate disinvested communities.

In April 2021, the Nowak Metro Finance Lab and Accelerator for America released the Federal Investment Guide to the American Rescue Plan (ARPA). The guide broke down The Biden Administration’s COVID relief package from a “bottom-up” perspective: summarizing over 84 individual programs, flowing from 19 federal agencies and through seven different distribution channels.

Our hope is that local leaders can put ARPA funds toward driving equity and inclusion in the recovery.

The STL 2030 Jobs Plan was developed in response to St. Louis' long-standing economic stagnation, decentralization, racial inequities, and government fragmentation. The plan aims to drive inclusive economic growth, emphasizing quality job creation, racial equity, and global competitiveness.

A key initiative, the STL Pledge, mobilizes anchor employers to invest locally, support small businesses, and revitalize the urban core.

The Tulsa City Council recently approved the creation of the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity (TAEO), consolidating multiple public entities to streamline economic development and address long-standing inefficiencies. This merger, driven by Mayor G.T. Bynum’s goal of fostering shared prosperity and racial equity, aims to leverage public assets for inclusive growth.

As Congress moves forward with the American Rescue Plan, focus is shifting to long-term recovery efforts that address issues like economic inequality and climate change. Central to this is federal investment in innovation districts, which combine research, startups, and corporate R&D to drive collaboration and tackle societal challenges.

The Cortex Innovation Community in St. Louis, a top global innovation district, has generated significant economic output, including $2.1 billion in 2018. Founded in 2002 on a former industrial site, it faced challenges due to COVID-19 and leadership transitions in 2020. With limited developable land left, the district is navigating its future through strategic planning. Despite these obstacles, Cortex remains a key driver of economic growth and innovation for the region.

Local economic stakeholders must take action without waiting for federal clarity. The attention now turns to advancing New Localism and enhancing the partnership between American cities, metros, and the federal government under the Biden Administration.

COVID-19 has emphasized both the necessity of national intervention and the strength of local leadership. Cities, functioning as networks of public, private, and civic institutions, have demonstrated agility in addressing economic and social challenges. Moving forward, a balanced approach—combining national investment with devolved local flexibility—will be essential for an inclusive and sustainable recovery.