Advancing Racial Equity and Justice
CAP applies a racial equity lens in developing and advancing policies that root out deeply entrenched systemic racism to ensure everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
What We're Working On
What We're Doing
Closing the racial wealth gap and building an equitable economy
Centuries of government policies have systematically deprived communities of color of economic opportunity, leading to a persistent, growing racial wealth gap. CAP develops and advances policies to combat the root causes of the racial wealth gap and promote a more equitable, vibrant economy for all.
Supporting the Equitable and Just National Climate Platform
Long-standing racial and environmental injustices disproportionately expose communities of color to climate pollution. CAP develops and advocates for climate policies that ensure communities of color benefit from the transition to clean energy.
Eliminating racial disparities and strengthening health systems
Structural racism causes inequities in health systems and disparities in health outcomes. It also negatively affects numerous social determinants of health. CAP develops and furthers policies to reduce racial disparities in health and foster more accessible, affordable, and equitable health systems.
Promoting a representative, responsive, and inclusive democracy
Online disinformation and hate; white supremacist violence and rhetoric; and voter subversion and suppression undermine democracy and entrench systemic inequities. CAP develops policies to foster an effective, accountable, and representative democracy to meet the needs and improve the lives of all Americans.
By the numbers
$838K
The absolute dollar wealth gap between Black households and white households
CAP, “Eliminating the Black-White Gap Is a Generational Challenge” (2021).
75%
People of color’s exposure to fine particulate matter emitted by almost every fossil fuel source
Science Advances, “PM2.5 polluters disproportionately and systemically affect people of color in the United States” (2021).
4.1x
Hispanic or Latinos more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 than their white peers
CDC, “Risk for COVID-19 Infection, Hospitalization, and Death By Race/Ethnicity.”
4,939
Hate crimes in 2020 where a victim was targeted because of their race, ethnicity, or ancestry
FBI, “Hate Crime Statistics.”
Recent work
Fact Sheet: Easing the American Nursing Shortage
2022 State Abortion Bans Are a Patchwork of Increasingly Extreme Laws
Tax Breaks for Retirement Savings Do Not Help the Workers Who Need Them Most
Latest
Fixing Sequestration and Improving the Budget Process
Carmel Martin, Executive Vice President for Policy at the Center for American Progress, submitted testimony to the House Budget Committee for its hearing on the first principles of congressional budgeting.
The Importance of the Federal Housing Administration in the Housing Market
Julia Gordon, Director of Housing Finance and Policy at the Center for American Progress, testifies before the House Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.
Inequality, Opportunity, and the Housing Market
Julia Gordon, Director of Housing Finance and Policy at the Center for American Progress, recently testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development. Her testimony provides recommendations for increasing access to safe and affordable credit.
A Better America: Equity for All
The Center for American Progress Leadership Institute has launched a podcast series to provide a place for progressive professionals of color to analyze policy issues affecting vulnerable communities across America.
Biennial Budgeting Would Be a Setback in Efforts to Reform Congressional Budgeting
Scott Lilly, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, testifies before the House Committee on Rules, Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process, on the question of two-year budgeting.
The Economic Budget Outlook for Individuals, Families, and Communities
CAP President Neera Tanden testifies before the Senate Budget Committee.
Essential Elements of Housing Finance Reform
Julia Gordon, Director of Housing Finance and Policy at the Center for American Progress, testifies before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee about housing finance reform.
Regulatory Burdens: The Impact of Dodd-Frank on Community Banking
CAP Senior Fellow Brad Miller testifies before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Reviving Competition in Health Care Markets
David Balto testifies to the Federal Trade Commission on Section 5 of the FTC Act as a competition law.
The Merging Meat Market
David Balto testifies before Senate antitrust subcommittee on the competitive concerns raised by JBS/Swift meat company acquiring Smithfield and National.