America is in a moment of transition. To recover from the human tragedy and economic crisis induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, people need federal, state, and local governments working in concert to build back a stronger America—one that is more inclusive, more resilient, and aligned with a pathway that keeps global warming to under 1.5°C. While people need a large infusion of federal spending along with state and federal policy change, cities need to play a key role in contextualizing, designing, and delivering these projects. This report offers ideas across six sectors, highlighting city success stories for each : Access and mobility, Buildings, Power, Broadband, Water, and Natural Systems.
Investing in “future-proof” American infrastructure can create much-needed jobs and economic recovery, help confront the massive social inequalities, accelerate the clean energy transition, and prepare the communities to withstand the climate instability that people are already experiencing. Cities drive innovation, are highly effective channels for economic stimulus and infrastructure spending, and have a more intimate understanding of people’s needs than any other level of government.