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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.

Pennsylvania is emerging as a contender to lead the next wave of the AI revolution—what some call “Physical AI,” where intelligent systems transform real-world industries like energy, manufacturing, logistics, and defense. The state’s assets—abundant energy, industrial land, world-class universities, and a growing robotics ecosystem—position it to compete globally, but only if leaders act decisively.

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.

Public procurement is a powerful but underused tool for inclusive economic growth. Our recent initiative, Supply California—developed in partnership with the Latino Community Foundation—applies this model to scale Latino-owned businesses by leveraging public spending, regional strengths, and targeted support, offering a new strategy for equitable 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.

The Fire Station 15 redevelopment in Midtown Atlanta shows how cities can repurpose public land for mixed-income housing without relying on federal subsidies. Led by Mayor Andre Dickens and AUDC, the project combines fire service upgrades with a residential tower on a $14.4M site. Using a flexible, outcomes-based procurement model, the city partnered with private developers to ensure public control, affordability, and reduced risk. The plan will deliver at least 100 affordable units and offers a replicable model for using public assets to meet housing goals.

Amid national dysfunction, cities like Atlanta are leading a quiet revolution in urban revitalization. The Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (AUDC) adapts European social housing models to drive mixed-income redevelopment with public ownership. Through flexible procurement, innovative financing, and cross-sector partnerships, AUDC is activating underused assets—like Fire Station 15—and demonstrating how local solutions can deliver equitable, sustainable growth.

Atlanta’s $300 million housing initiative, launched in 2023, combines public, philanthropic, and private capital to expand affordable housing without relying solely on traditional subsidies. With support from the City and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, it has already helped deliver over 6,600 affordable units through innovative financing tools and cross-sector collaboration.

The selection of Pope Leo XIV highlights how social network analysis can reveal hidden influence within complex institutions. This approach, known as Network Science, has broader applications: cities and regions can map relationships, identify key players, and empower connectors to drive economic growth and resilience in uncertain times.

The IIJA, IRA, and CHIPS Act sparked historic federal investment in infrastructure, clean energy, and industry. But complex funding strained local governments. As federal support shifts, sustained local capacity and partnerships are vital to keep progress moving.

Since the launch of Houston's Department of Government Efficiency, leaders like Angela Blanchard and Steven David have been working to transform how the city prepares for crises and delivers public services. Highlighting Mayor Whitmire’s commitment to accountability and resilience, this work includes a deep operational overhaul, major infrastructure investments like reliable power for critical facilities, and a candid reckoning with Houston’s vulnerability to climate disasters.

The Fogo Island retreat, hosted by Shorefast and the Canadian Urban Institute, brought together community leaders and capital providers to explore how to better align global investment with local economies. Set in a community revitalized by Zita Cobb’s place-based model, the retreat highlighted the power of local sourcing, import-replacement, and integrated economic development.

The California Procurement Playbook is a first-of-its-kind analysis of how Latino-owned businesses in California - the world's 4th largest economy - are faring in the federal procurement economy, and how much opportunity remains untapped.

In 1959, President Eisenhower called for national goals and highlighted the need for shared responsibility across government levels. His “marble cake” model of federalism, showing the overlap of federal, state, and local roles, remains relevant today as states and cities take on more responsibility in complex policy areas like housing and defense.

Federal retrenchment is triggering fiscal, economic, and structural shocks nationwide, forcing local and state leaders to navigate cascading impacts and lead regional responses as federal support pulls back.

The United States is undergoing a rapid, uncoordinated defederalization, where responsibilities traditionally held by the federal government are being shifted to states, localities, and other sectors without a clear plan or adequate support.

As federal funding shifts from investment to cuts, local governments must act now. Conducting “stress tests” will help assess risks, engage stakeholders, and develop response plans. Proactive planning ensures communities can adapt and protect essential services amid fiscal uncertainty.

The National Housing Crisis Task Force has released tools to help communities tackle the housing crisis. The State and Local Housing Action Plan highlights innovative strategies in land use, capital, construction, regulation, and governance. With reduced federal support, state and local leaders can use these tools to boost housing production and affordability. Initial tools focus on zoning reforms, tax incentives, and modular construction.

The Trump Administration’s policy shifts have created financial uncertainty for cities and states. NYC’s Comptroller analyzed the city’s reliance on federal funds, highlighting risks to entitlement programs, public services, and infrastructure. This model can help other municipalities assess their fiscal exposure. With federal cuts now a reality, local governments must prepare for the impact.