Karla Walter is the senior director of Employment Policy at the Center for American Progress. Walter focuses primarily on improving the economic security of American workers by increasing workers’ wages and benefits, promoting workplace protections, and advancing workers’ rights at work. Prior to joining American Progress, Walter was a research analyst at Good Jobs First, providing support to officials, policy research organizations, and grassroots advocacy groups striving to make state and local economic development subsidies more accountable and effective. She has co-authored several studies that promote economic development policies that meet workers’ needs and advocate for greater corporate accountability. Previously, she worked as a legislative aide for Wisconsin State Rep. Jennifer Shilling. Her work has been referenced in The New York Times and other newspapers. Walter earned a master’s degree in urban planning and policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
How States and Unions Can Partner To Build the Public Sector Workforce
Partnering with unions to train public sector workers helps states uphold high-quality standards; connect with and recruit from local communities; and address the nation’s public sector hiring challenges.
5 Policy Priorities for the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization
The reauthorization of Federal Aviation Administration programs should provide dedicated funding for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from airplanes and airports, an increase in the Passenger Facility Charge, and decent wages and benefits for airport service workers.
How To Support Good Jobs and Workforce Equity on Federal Infrastructure Projects
As funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act flow through federal and state project owners, agencies must build long-lasting capacity to provide equitable access to high-quality jobs.
How historic infrastructure investments can benefit women workers
Karla Walter partnered with Sharita Gruberg to break down the potential long-lasting benefits for women in manufacturing due to President Joe Biden's historic economic legislation.
How Biden’s American-Style Industrial Policy Will Create Quality Jobs
The Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are key pillars of a transformative industrial policy platform.
Prevailing Wages Can Build Good Jobs Into America’s Electric Vehicle Industry
By instituting prevailing wage policies, policymakers can ensure that the jobs they subsidize in one of America's newest industries offer fair wages and benefits.
4 Strategies to Create Good Jobs, Boost Equity With Federal Infrastructure Funds
Karla Walter outlines four strategies for states to ensure new federal infrastructure funds from the IIJA create good jobs and boost equity in local communities.
When contractors pay bad wages, the public shoulders the burden
Karla Walter highlights how new regulations governing the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts will ensure that workers on construction projects receiving federal funding are paid fairly.
New Opportunities for the Biden-Harris Administration To Create Good Jobs for LGBTQI+ Workers
For decades, the U.S. economy has left LGBTQI+ individuals and their families behind, but the Biden-Harris administration can use its existing authority to uplift LGBTQI+ workers.
