We are thrilled to showcase the seventh biennial NewDEAL Forum Ideas Challenge entries, highlighting the impactful policy solutions being advanced by NewDEAL Leaders nationwide. Together, the pragmatic and forward-looking ideas submitted to the Challenge offer a roadmap for how government can deliver results that expand opportunity, improve lives, and build strong, healthy communities.
This year’s 51 ideas come from 25 states, representing various levels of government and focus on ideas to build strong, healthy communities.
We are pleased to announce the 2025 Winners:
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Voting Rights Protection Act
Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton | Pennsylvania
WINNER - Democracy: Strengthening Rights and Participation -
Expanding College Access Through Direct Admission
Senator Christopher Cabaldon | California
WINNER - Education: Preparing Students for the Future -
Emergency Mobile Opioid Team
Mayor Cassie Franklin | Everett, WA
WINNER - Health: Delivering Affordable, Accessible Care -
Vacant Property Initiative
Mayor Jon Mitchell | New Bedford, MA
WINNER - Housing: Expanding Development and Affordability -
Law Enforcement Community Immersion Program
City Attorney Zach Klein | Columbus, OH
WINNER - Public Safety & Justice: Protecting Communities and Strengthening Trust -
Early Childhood Education Endowment
Representative Kate Farrar | Connecticut
WINNER - Youth Investment: Providing Opportunities for the Next Generation
Finalists - Democracy: Strengthening Rights and Participation
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Election Administration Fellowship
Secretary of State Adrian Fontes | Arizona
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Restoring Voting Rights
Representative Tanya Miller | Georgia
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Voting Rights Protection Act
Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton | Pennsylvania
Finalists - Education: Preparing Students for the Future
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College Access - Direct Admission
Senator Christopher Cabaldon | California
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Student Empowerment Fund
Treasurer Mike Frerichs | Illinois
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Connecticut Online AI Academy
Senator James Maroney | Connecticut
Finalists - Health: Delivering Affordable, Accessible Care
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Emergency Mobile Opioid Team
Mayor Cassie Franklin | Everett, WA
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Community Health Hubs
Mayor Lee Harris | Shelby County, TN
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Health Equity Resource Communities
Senator Antonio Hayes | Maryland
Finalists - Housing: Expanding Development and Affordability
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Public Land for Workforce Housing
County Supervisor Laura Capps | Santa Barbara, CA
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Housing Affordability Through ADUs
Representative Nicole Clowney | Arkansas
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Infrastructure and Housing Impact Fund
Treasurer Mike Frerichs | Illinois
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Vacant Property Initiative
Mayor Jon Mitchell | New Bedford, MA
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Innovative Financing for Affordable Housing
Senator Dylan Roberts | Colorado
Finalists - Public Safety: Protecting Communities and Strengthening Trust
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Law Enforcement Immersion
City Attorney Zach Klein | Columbus, OH
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Protections Against Coercive Control
Representative Tram Nguyen | Massachusetts
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Eleanor Parks
Mayor Brett Smiley | Providence, RI
Finalists - Youth Investment: Providing Opportunities for the Next Generation
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Early Childhood Education Endowment
Representative Kate Farrar | Connecticut
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Child Care Access Through Zoning Reform
Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau | Maine
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Camp RISE
Mayor Cavalier Johnson | Milwaukee, WI
