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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.

The Procurement Economy can grow Black- and Latino-owned businesses and reduce wealth gaps, but bureaucratic barriers and limited capital access hinder progress. Simplifying processes, fostering diversity, and investing in ecosystems can unlock its full potential for inclusive growth.

Investor purchases of single-family homes limit affordable housing, worsen racial wealth gaps, and harm Black and Latino communities. Urgent action and innovative solutions are needed to preserve homeownership opportunities and build community wealth.

U.S. cities are leveraging federal infrastructure investments to drive revitalization, strengthen supply chains, promote equity, advance sustainability, and boost innovation.

The U.S. is investing heavily in EV adoption, but charging infrastructure gaps remain a key challenge. Coordinated city, state, and private efforts, inspired by European models, are crucial to building an equitable and reliable network. Early leaders like Michigan and Columbus showcase how strategic planning can maximize federal funding.

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.

This municipal action guide provides a practical framework for understanding and supporting inclusive entrepreneurship, including specific examples and steps city leaders can take to improve racial and social equity, expand economic opportunity and participation, and build dynamic and resilient local economies.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) and federal government have made strides in promoting equity in procurement for minority-owned businesses, including setting a goal to increase spending with Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) by 50%. However, more is needed to diversify sectors and support growth in these businesses.

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.

The Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) aims to boost U.S. competitiveness by funding regional industry clusters. Over the past months, we've worked with participants to refine strategies around labor supply, infrastructure, R&D, sustainability, and equity. The BBBRC highlights economic disruption and the rise of new innovation hubs across the country.

Commercial corridors are essential to local economies, but have struggled due to shifts in the economy and the COVID-19 pandemic. A proposal suggests using American Rescue Plan funds to create a Commercial Corridor Revitalization Grant Program. This program would support planning and capital investments in these areas, helping them recover, foster local partnerships, and boost minority- and women-owned businesses, ensuring long-term growth and vitality.

Federal investments require collaboration among public, private, and civic networks to drive effective economic development and infrastructure projects. Examples like Northeast Ohio and Central Indiana show the power of coordinated efforts. Federal support should prioritize networked governance to ensure lasting growth and impact.

The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act faces implementation challenges due to local capacity gaps. Many cities lack the resources and expertise to effectively design and execute projects. To address this, local governments, philanthropies, and state agencies must assess capacity needs and invest in building the skills required to ensure efficient and inclusive project delivery.

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.

2022 offers a unique chance for inclusive entrepreneurship, fueled by federal investments like the State Small Business Credit Initiative and the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. These funds target minority and women-owned businesses, promoting equitable local economies. The Nowak Metro Finance Lab, The Enterprise Center, and the National League of Cities developed a "Roadmap for Inclusive Entrepreneurship" to guide city leaders.

On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law. The IIJA supports $1.2 trillion in programming, including $550B in new spending. This guide was produced to support local action that is ambitious enough to meet the scale of IIJA. It is intended to advance the conversation to focus on actionable insights for local leaders.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed into law on November 15, 2021, marks a historic $1.2 trillion investment in modernizing America’s infrastructure. While its passage was a significant achievement, the real challenge lies in implementation. 

In 2020, cities faced an unprecedented crisis, and 2021 brought historic federal investment opportunities for recovery. The initiative focuses on establishing 18-month Stimulus Command Centers to coordinate recovery plans and investments. These centers bring together leaders from public, private, and civic sectors to prioritize actions that promote community wealth-building, racial inclusion, and resilient infrastructure.

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.