NewDEAL Leaders are known for their pragmatic, forward-looking approach to government and we are excited to highlight and celebrate your policy ideas in our seventh biennial Ideas Challenge. Amid chaos coming from Washington, the reality is that there are state and local policymakers across the country pursuing innovative and results-driven policy ideas to make people’s lives better.
This year’s Challenge will highlight policies —whether just getting off the ground or already delivering impact— that address pressing public problems and demonstrate the power of effective governance. The NewDEAL is proud to elevate your work across our network and share your ideas nationwide. (See submission criteria below)
Entries will be reviewed by a panel of expert judges and evaluated based on the potential or realized impact, scalability, and innovation. Submissions are open to all NewDEAL Leaders, and you’re welcome to submit multiple ideas across any issue area. Policies can be at any stage—from early concept to fully implemented—and we’re eager to showcase the full spectrum of NewDEALer innovation. If you have a good idea to solve the pressing problems in your state or community, we want to hear about it!
Winning ideas will be showcased across multiple platforms as well as featured at the Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in the fall. See the 2023 Challenge Winners Feature here. For questions, contact Deputy Director of Policy Estevan Ginsburg, estevan@newdealleaders.org.
Among the themes we are looking for ideas to address the following are, though entries are not limited to:
Technology & Government: Using tech to solve problems and improve public services.
Democracy & Civic Engagement: Strengthening institutions and public trust.
Economic Opportunity & Affordability: Expanding pathways to upward mobility.
Building & Development: Streamlining processes and enabling sustainable growth across housing, energy supply, etc.
Improving Quality of Life: Using public policy to positively impact people’s lives.
NewDEAL Leaders are invited to submit for this year’s competition by the July 25th deadline!