Departments

Economic Policy

We work to address the deep inequities in our economy to ensure that all Americans can live secure and stable lives.

Workers install visors into a new SUV on an assembly line in Kentucky. (Getty/Bill Pugliano)

What We're Doing

Building an economy for all

We need a new social compact with business that reenvisions their obligations to society on issues such as environmental and climate matters, economic opportunity for workers, paying their fair share in taxes, and racial equality in the pursuit of more equitable, sustainable growth.

Expanding worker power

We work to ensure executive actions and legislation promote high-quality jobs, increase worker power, and raise standards for government contract workers. As part of this effort, we are pushing for higher wages and strengthening workers’ voices in their workplaces.

Lifting families out of poverty

We seek to ensure that every American who works a full-time job can live a life of dignity and that all Americans can rely on strong and stable support programs when they need them. This includes expanding and streamlining vital programs, increasing wages, and creating economic mobility for all. 

 

Championing a new social compact

We need a new social compact with businesses that reimagines their obligations to society on issues such as environmental and climate matters; paying their fair share in taxes; economic opportunity for workers; and racial equality in the pursuit of more sustainable, innovative growth.

 

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Featured Experts

Recent work

Latest

Compact View

Cracking Down on Pass-Throughs In the News

Cracking Down on Pass-Throughs

In an op-ed published by Democracy Journal, Corey Husak writes about how wealthy Americans are increasingly using complex networks of “pass-through” businesses and shell companies to avoid paying taxes, driving up economic inequalities.

Democracy Journal

Corey Husak

CAP Urges Stronger Accountability Metrics and Greater Transparency in Federally Funded Postsecondary Programs Article

CAP Urges Stronger Accountability Metrics and Greater Transparency in Federally Funded Postsecondary Programs

The Center for American Progress recently urged the U.S. Department of Education to reconsider proposed changes that could weaken safeguards for higher education students. As written, the proposal risks allowing low-value postsecondary programs to continue receiving federal aid, potentially steering students, especially those with limited financial resources, into pathways that fail to deliver meaningful economic returns.

Madison Weiss

Rideshare Win Could Bring Big Changes In the News

Rideshare Win Could Bring Big Changes

In an op-ed for Progressive Magazine, David Madland argues that if a new union in Massachusetts representing app drivers is replicated nationwide, it could reverse decades of union decline.

Progressive Magazine

David Madland

Capping Rental Application Fees at $5 Report
Apartments for rent are seen in the East Village in New York City on May 11, 2026.

Capping Rental Application Fees at $5

With rents stuck high, a Center for American Progress proposal to cap application fees would provide renters with immediate relief.

Chad Maisel

2026 CAP IDEAS Conference Past Event

2026 CAP IDEAS Conference

The Center for American Progress’ signature event, now celebrating its 15th year, where CAP convenes the big thinkers and doers on the center-left for a day of not only identifying the problems facing Americans, but also sharing solutions to improve the lives of all Americans.

Online via Zoom

Lowering the Cost of Living for American Families Article
Prospective homebuyers leave a property.

Lowering the Cost of Living for American Families

As families struggle to make ends meet amid rising costs, the Center for American Progress’ affordability agenda would save a typical family $4,133 per year across housing, health care, utility bills, and groceries.

Emily Gee, Kennedy Andara

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