Building an Economy for All

Economic growth must be built on the foundation of a strong and secure middle class so that all Americans benefit from growth.

A child holds hands with her father and mother, January 12, 2020. (Getty/The Washington Post/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)

What We're Doing

Investing in a stronger and more equitable economy

We must continue to invest in research, technology, and innovation in a manner that ensures participation and benefits communities that are too often left behind. Only through such an approach can the United States remain at the cutting edge in an increasingly competitive global market.

Strengthening worker power and economic mobility

We need to increase wages, reduce poverty among working families, increase worker power, and create pathways to economic mobility for all.

Raising the floor for basic living standards

Working toward a stronger and more equitable economy for everyone involves rebuilding, expanding, and strengthening America’s social safety net to make it more comprehensive in eligibility and services as well as more flexible in how it can be accessed and used.

Creating a new social compact with business

A new social compact with business includes a regulatory vision that better aligns investors, companies, and the public interest on critical matters such as climate, workers’ rights, and equality.

Center for American Progress

Improving the Lives of All Americans

Celebrate with us

By the numbers

60M

The families of more than 60 million children have received CTC monthly payments since July 2021.

CAP, “Making the CTC and EITC Expansions Permanent Would Reduce Poverty and Grow the Economy” (2021).

$100

In 32 states, a typical family would save more than $100 per week on child care under the Build Back Better Act.

CAP, “The Build Back Better Act Would Greatly Lower Families’ Child Care Costs” (2021).

$22.5B

In a year, workers and their families lose $22.5 billion in wages due to lack of access to paid family and medical leave.

CAP, “A Real Recovery for Women Cannot Happen Without the Build Back Better Agenda” (2021).

$3.6T

The Build Back Better Act would raise $3.6 trillion in revenue to support investments in an inclusive, high-growth economy.

CAP, “Addressing Tax System Failings That Favor Billionaires and Corporations” (2021).

What You Can Do

Recent work

Latest

Compact View

How Inflation Reduction Act Electric Vehicle Incentives Are Driving a U.S. Manufacturing Renaissance Report
Photo shows several cars lined up on both sides of a divider with EV chargers that display orange signs reading

How Inflation Reduction Act Electric Vehicle Incentives Are Driving a U.S. Manufacturing Renaissance

More than a dozen new incentives enacted through the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act have sent investments in EV manufacturing skyrocketing, resulting in more than 84,000 announced jobs in just the first year of implementation.

Leo Banks

Comment to Middle States Commission on Higher Education Regarding Third-Party Providers Policy and Procedures Article

Comment to Middle States Commission on Higher Education Regarding Third-Party Providers Policy and Procedures

This public comment, submitted by the Center for American Progress, asks the Middle States Council on Higher Education to clarify its proposed policy for reviewing its member institutions' arrangements with third-party providers.

Detroit Mobility and Innovation Corridor Article
Photo shows people walking across a street as the sun sets in the distance.

Detroit Mobility and Innovation Corridor

This grant provides funding for a project to modernize and update safety features on Michigan Avenue, one of the most important downtown transportation corridors in Detroit, Michigan.

Port of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Site Development Article
Photo shows an aerial view of the harbor with an expanse of green grass and trees, flanked by bodies of water on both sides

Port of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Site Development

The Port of Green Bay in Wisconsin has received funding to expand onto the site of a former power plant; the transformation includes the removal of coal piles and other items left from the power plant, and ships will be able to both load and unload cargo at the new port.

Pennsylvania Fern Hollow Bridge Repair Project Article
Photo shows Joe Biden and Ed Gainey facing the snowy construction site of the Fern Hollow Bridge.

Pennsylvania Fern Hollow Bridge Repair Project

This grant provided the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation with the necessary funds to repair the Fern Hollow Bridge after its unexpected collapse.

House Republican Budget Threatens Public Education and Opportunity for Young People Article
Empty elementary school classroom

House Republican Budget Threatens Public Education and Opportunity for Young People

House Republican leadership’s proposed funding bill would vastly cut support for economically disadvantaged students and eliminate important programs in the K-12 education, youth workforce development, and higher education spheres.

What kind of transportation future do we want? In the News

What kind of transportation future do we want?

In an op-ed published by Route Fifty, Kevin DeGood explains the potential risks that integrating autonomous vehicles could pose if pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable users are not prioritized.

Route Fifty

Kevin DeGood

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