Inclusive Growth

Inclusive Economy

We are focused on building an inclusive economy by expanding worker power, investing in families, and advancing a social compact that encourages sustainable and equitable growth.

A subway train pulls into the Flushing Avenue station in Brooklyn.
A subway train pulls into the Flushing Avenue station in Brooklyn on February 2, 2019, in New York City. (Getty/Gary Hershorn)

What We're Doing

Investing in people

We seek to eliminate poverty and ensure every American, regardless of their ZIP code, can live a life of dignity by developing, protecting, and expanding vital economic security policies and safety net programs.

Achieving sustainable growth

We work to address structural issues in the economy by promoting bold public investments, progressive tax reforms that require the wealthy to pay their fair share, and sound fiscal policies to support broad-based economic 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 a federal $15 minimum wage and strengthening workers’ voices in their workplace.

Championing a new social compact

We need a new social compact with business that reimagines 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 sustainable, innovative growth.

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Any Budget Deal Should Preserve Parity Article
The U.S. Capitol

Any Budget Deal Should Preserve Parity

As Congress renegotiates the budget levels for fiscal year 2025, it should match every additional dollar of defense investment with an equal amount of nondefense spending.

Bobby Kogan, Jessica Vela

CAP Responds to Request for Information on Consolidation in Health Care Markets Article

CAP Responds to Request for Information on Consolidation in Health Care Markets

The Center for American Progress submitted a response to the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ request for information on consolidation in health care markets.

Project 2025 Would Undo the NLRB’s Progress on Protecting Workers’ Right To Organize Article
Union hall interior

Project 2025 Would Undo the NLRB’s Progress on Protecting Workers’ Right To Organize

Workers are winning a greater percentage of NLRB-overseen union elections than at any point in the past 15 years as Biden administration appointees help protect workers' right to organize—but a conservative policy plan offers a blueprint for eroding the NLRB's ability to protect organizing workers.

Aurelia Glass

Increasing Competition and Fairness in Food and Agricultural Markets Past Event

Increasing Competition and Fairness in Food and Agricultural Markets

Please join the Center for American Progress for an event that will highlight important actions the U.S. departments of Justice and Agriculture have taken to make the country's agricultural markets both more fair and more competitive.

IPEF Starts To Demonstrate Results Article
President Joe Biden speaks from behind a podium next to other IPEF leaders with country flags in the background.

IPEF Starts To Demonstrate Results

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity remains an important geostrategic and geo-economic initiative in the Asia-Pacific region.

Ryan Mulholland

What Would It Take To Stabilize the Debt-to-GDP Ratio? Report
Top of the Capitol building

What Would It Take To Stabilize the Debt-to-GDP Ratio?

Because most of the Bush-era tax cuts were permanently extended, the United States is projected to have the debt ratio rise indefinitely. Closing this fiscal gap would require decreasing primary deficits by 2.1 percentage points of GDP, on average.

Bobby Kogan, Jessica Vela

The Lawsuit Against a New SEC Rule Could Harm Investor Protections Report

The Lawsuit Against a New SEC Rule Could Harm Investor Protections

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit’s decision on the legal petition against the SEC’s private fund advisers rule could open the door to broad attacks on the regulatory framework that Congress authorized the SEC to develop and enforce for capital markets.

Alexandra Thornton

Unions Give Workers a Voice Over How AI Affects Their Jobs Report
Photo shows a view of an open office with mostly empty desk setups, and a large window in the back of the room

Unions Give Workers a Voice Over How AI Affects Their Jobs

Collective bargaining is a powerful tool workers can use to ensure artificial intelligence and algorithmic technology improve their jobs instead of make working conditions worse, and workers have won several recent contracts that give them power over how AI will affect their working lives.

Aurelia Glass

A Conversation With Dr. Lael Brainard Past Event

A Conversation With Dr. Lael Brainard

Please join the Center for American Progress for a conversation with National Economic Adviser Lael Brainard on the Biden administration’s investment agenda and China’s overcapacity.

Center for American Progress

2024 Affordable Care Act Marketplace Plan Selections by Congressional District Interactive
A staff nurse checks a patient at a hospital.

2024 Affordable Care Act Marketplace Plan Selections by Congressional District

A new CAP interactive explores the proportion of nonelderly people who made federally facilitated marketplace plan selections during the 2024 open enrollment period by congressional district. Without congressional action, consumers will lose the enhanced financial assistance that supported record levels of enrollment.

Nicole Rapfogel

It’s time for local policymakers to cement the Biden administration’s workforce gains In the News

It’s time for local policymakers to cement the Biden administration’s workforce gains

Karla Walter writes in Route Fifty about the need for policymakers to build on the Biden administration’s historic federal infrastructure investments, arguing that one of the best ways to cement these workforce gains is for local jurisdictions to strengthen their job quality standards.

Route Fifty

Karla Walter

Hearing on SEC Overreach: Examining the Need for Reform In the News

Hearing on SEC Overreach: Examining the Need for Reform

Alexandra Thornton testified before the the U.S. House Financial Services Committee Subcommittee on Capital Markets to discuss institutional reforms of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

the U.S. House Financial Services Committee Subcommittee on Capital Markets.

Alexandra Thornton

Fact Sheet: Building an Economy That Delivers for Women Fact Sheet
A woman pushing a stroller walks through an atrium with light pouring in and a small pool reflecting plant life

Fact Sheet: Building an Economy That Delivers for Women

This fact sheet offers a brief summary of CAP’s “Playbook for the Advancement of Women in the Economy,” which provides federal and state policymakers with the tools they need to center women in their economic plans and grow the economy.

Rose Khattar

Playbook for the Advancement of Women in the Economy Report

Playbook for the Advancement of Women in the Economy

This collection of policy recommendations reveals how policymakers can grow the economy by centering the changes that women need in their economic platforms.

Rose Khattar, Sara Estep

What California Can Teach America About How To Increase Housing Production Article
Construction of apartment complex with palm trees in background

What California Can Teach America About How To Increase Housing Production

Recent legislation in California has reduced the legal barriers to producing new housing units—everything from accessory dwelling units to large, multifamily buildings—when local governments fail to zone their communities for adequate housing.

Kevin DeGood

Communities That Lost Manufacturing Jobs Are Main Beneficiaries of Biden Administration’s New Industrial Policy Article
U.S. President Joe Biden thanks the crowd following a speech.

Communities That Lost Manufacturing Jobs Are Main Beneficiaries of Biden Administration’s New Industrial Policy

New analysis finds that private investments from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act are being announced in the communities that have been hit hardest by disinvestment in American manufacturing.

What Will Be in the Final SEC Climate Disclosure Rule? Article

What Will Be in the Final SEC Climate Disclosure Rule?

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s March 2022 climate disclosure proposal provides a roadmap for its upcoming final rule requiring public companies to disclose climate-related information that will help investors make sound investment decisions.

Alexandra Thornton

5 Reasons Why Careening From Near Shutdown to Near Shutdown Is Bad for America Article
The waning Snow Moon sets behind the U.S. Capitol Dome.

5 Reasons Why Careening From Near Shutdown to Near Shutdown Is Bad for America

While avoiding a federal government shutdown is important, the chaos of constant shutdown threats; uncertainties about funding; and patchwork continuing resolutions are still detrimental for the government’s ability to provide services and the health of American democracy.

Construction of Tennessee EV Battery Facility Highlights Promises and Challenges of Biden Administration Policies Report
Electric vehicle charging station

Construction of Tennessee EV Battery Facility Highlights Promises and Challenges of Biden Administration Policies

Tennessee’s BlueOval City electric vehicle battery facility shows how public investments can lead to good union jobs, but anecdotal evidence suggests that workers are not connecting these jobs to important economic policies.

David Madland, Kyle Ross

Disabled Workers Saw Record Employment Gains in 2023, But Gaps Remain Article
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics building

Disabled Workers Saw Record Employment Gains in 2023, But Gaps Remain

New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that in 2023, disabled people made record-breaking employment gains in a tight labor market; policymakers, however, must do more to close persistent gaps.

Kennedy Andara, Anona Neal, Rose Khattar

Rewriting the Playbook: How Women Are Powering the Economy Past Event

Rewriting the Playbook: How Women Are Powering the Economy

Please Join the Center for American Progress for the launch of the "Playbook for the Advancement of Women in the Economy."

1333 H St NW, Washington, DC

Increasing Affordable Housing Stock Through Modular Building Report
A crane stacks modular home segments to make a new duplex.

Increasing Affordable Housing Stock Through Modular Building

Modular building, if brought to scale, has the potential to reduce construction costs and make building new homes more affordable, especially in areas experiencing severe affordable housing shortages.

Michela Zonta

The Schumer-Johnson Budget Deal, Explained Article
Capitol building against overcast sky

The Schumer-Johnson Budget Deal, Explained

Under the tight caps in the budget agreement, Congress should be able to meet the nation’s highest priorities, but the federal government would provide a lower level of services and benefits than it did in fiscal year 2023.

Bobby Kogan, Jean Ross

3 Ways States Can Improve Child Support Article
Colorado Capitol building

3 Ways States Can Improve Child Support

Decades of problems with distribution, debt, and enforcement have undermined the child support program’s ability to serve low-income families.

Kyle Ross

Government on Workers’ Side Report
Construction workers using equipment

Government on Workers’ Side

State and local policymakers can raise standards for workers and the public through prevailing wages, project labor agreements, and several other best practices.

Karla Walter

Rebuilding the IRS Improves Customer Service and Reduces the Tax Gap Article
A sign reading

Rebuilding the IRS Improves Customer Service and Reduces the Tax Gap

Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act helps ensure that the wealthy and large corporations pay what they owe and that customer service improvements continue.

Jean Ross

Regulators’ Bank Capital Proposals Don’t Go Far Enough To Improve Financial Stability Article

Regulators’ Bank Capital Proposals Don’t Go Far Enough To Improve Financial Stability

While the 2023 bank capital proposals make important improvements to the regulatory framework, new CAP empirical analysis shows that additions to bank equity are modest and must be larger to substantially enhance the stability of the largest banks.

CAP Comments on Regulators’ Proposals To Increase Bank Capital Requirements Article

CAP Comments on Regulators’ Proposals To Increase Bank Capital Requirements

The Center for American Progress submitted a comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Reserve, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on their proposals to raise capital requirements for the largest banks—those with assets of $100 billion or more.

CAP Submits Comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on the Federal Insurance Office’s Climate Risk Data Collection Article

CAP Submits Comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on the Federal Insurance Office’s Climate Risk Data Collection

The Center for American Progress submitted a comment letter to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on the Federal Insurance Office’s climate-related financial risk data collection.

Lilith Fellowes-Granda

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

Regulatory Change To Enhance Treasury Market Stability Report
The steps up to the front of the Treasury building

Regulatory Change To Enhance Treasury Market Stability

Nonbank financial actors have significantly disrupted U.S. and U.K. government debt markets in the past few years, but regulators can reduce some of these risks through existing authorities.

Marc Jarsulic

How Threats to IRS Funding Endanger America’s Fiscal Future Past Event

How Threats to IRS Funding Endanger America’s Fiscal Future

Please join Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, in conversation with former U.S. Treasury Secretary Dr. Lawrence H. Summers on the importance of adequate funding for tax enforcement and administration to a healthy democracy.

Online only

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference Past Event
CAP IDEAS Conference logo

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference

Join the Center for American Progress as we celebrate 20 years of innovative policy solutions and look boldly forward to a progressive future.

The Child Care Sector Is Still Struggling To Hire Workers Article
A teacher leads a morning warm-up session for young children in Frederick, Maryland.

The Child Care Sector Is Still Struggling To Hire Workers

Amid a tight labor market and lack of sustainable funding, the child care sector’s shortage of good jobs persists, exacerbating its challenge to attract and retain workers.

Rose Khattar, Maureen Coffey

Accessing Public Capital Without Public Disclosure Past Event

Accessing Public Capital Without Public Disclosure

Please join the Center for American Progress for an event to discuss the origin and potential risks of opaque private markets, and what can be done to avoid a future crisis.

1333 H St NW, Washington DC, 20005

Testimony on the Impact of the COVID-19 Response on the Economy Testimony

Testimony on the Impact of the COVID-19 Response on the Economy

Bobby Kogan, senior director of Federal Budget Policy at the Center for American Progress, filed written testimony before the U.S. House Oversight and Accountability Committee’s Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs; this testimony is in support of the macroeconomic fiscal policy taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing recession.

Bobby Kogan

How the Supreme Court’s Decision in CFPB v. CFSA Could Harm Consumers Past Event
Supporters of the CFPB hold signs that read, “Defend CFPB” outside the agency’s building.

How the Supreme Court’s Decision in CFPB v. CFSA Could Harm Consumers

Please join the Center for American Progress, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and an esteemed panel for an event that will focus on the ongoing importance of a strong and independent CFPB and its track record of success.

1333 H St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20005

CFPB v. CFSA: How the Supreme Court Could Harm Consumers and Financial Markets Report

CFPB v. CFSA: How the Supreme Court Could Harm Consumers and Financial Markets

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a case challenging the autonomy of the single most important agency for the protection of consumers in the financial markets—and its decision could spread uncertainty and harm far beyond the agency.

Challenges and Opportunities of Providing Free School Meals for All Report
Three elementary students sit and compare lunches at a cafeteria table.

Challenges and Opportunities of Providing Free School Meals for All

The Center for American Progress’ community conversations with a Colorado school district illustrate how offering no-cost school meals is critical for students’ success and opportunities.

Allie Pearce, Anona Neal

5 Reasons Automakers Must Provide Good Jobs and Lower Vehicle Emissions Article
Ford employees work on assembling electric vehicle carp parts.

5 Reasons Automakers Must Provide Good Jobs and Lower Vehicle Emissions

In the face of demands for better jobs and stronger health protections, some automakers claim they can’t improve job quality and lower vehicle emissions—but they have the resources to support middle-class-led economic growth and clean up their vehicle fleets.

Leo Banks, Karla Walter, Anona Neal

The Business Case for Good Jobs Report
Employees work at their desks in a San Francisco office.

The Business Case for Good Jobs

Jobs that include employee training and good working conditions have higher worker productivity and lower operational costs associated with turnover, boosting firm profitability and economic growth.

Crystal Weise

Will AI Benefit or Harm Workers? Article
President Joe Biden sits with a panel before a banner that reads,

Will AI Benefit or Harm Workers?

The Biden administration and Congress must adopt a worker-centered approach in its response to the development and use of artificial intelligence.

Rose Khattar

Transforming the Economy: Forging Black Economic Power Across America Past Event
Logos of CAP and NPWF over an image of a lighthouse.

Transforming the Economy: Forging Black Economic Power Across America

Join the Center for American Progress and the National Partnership of Women & Families on Martha’s Vineyard for a moderated panel which explores new ways to promote economic opportunity in Black communities.

Barn & Bowl Bistro

How Bidenomics Is Delivering for Women In the News

How Bidenomics Is Delivering for Women

In The Messenger, Rose Khattar and Sara Estep make the case for how the Biden administration's plan to grow the economy by growing the middle class is helping more women find jobs.

The Messenger

Rose Khattar, Sara Estep

CAP’s Comments on Proposed Amendments to Auditing Standards Related to a Company’s Noncompliance With Laws and Regulations Article

CAP’s Comments on Proposed Amendments to Auditing Standards Related to a Company’s Noncompliance With Laws and Regulations

The Center for American Progress submitted comments to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board supporting critical updates and enhancements to auditing standards aimed at helping investors avoid misplacing their trust in companies that are not complying with laws and regulations.

Alexandra Thornton

7 Reasons the U.S. Economy Is Among the Strongest in the G7 Article

7 Reasons the U.S. Economy Is Among the Strongest in the G7

Cooling inflation, continued economic growth, and a strong labor market exemplify the sustained resilience of the U.S. economy, particularly compared with other advanced economies.

Rose Khattar, Jessica Vela

Progressive Messaging on the Economy Article

Progressive Messaging on the Economy

New research underscores the value of connecting policy priorities to how they will help grow the middle class in America.

Comments on the National Credit Union Administration’s Request for Information Regarding Climate-Related Financial Risk Article

Comments on the National Credit Union Administration’s Request for Information Regarding Climate-Related Financial Risk

The Center for American Progress submitted a comment to the National Credit Union Administration on the effects of climate-related financial risks and the steps to manage and mitigate exposure to those risks.

Crystal Weise, David Correa, Lilith Fellowes-Granda

4 Job Quality Questions All Applicants for New Federal Funds Should Answer Report
Worker on building against sky

4 Job Quality Questions All Applicants for New Federal Funds Should Answer

States, cities, and private sector applicants can improve their chances of winning new federal support through the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and CHIPS and Science Act by demonstrating that their proposals will create good jobs for working people from all walks of life.

Karla Walter

Public and Private Investments Are Poised To Transform Michigan Report
A worker works on the bed of one of Ford’s battery-powered F-150 Lightning trucks.

Public and Private Investments Are Poised To Transform Michigan

The historic home of the automotive industry, Michigan, stands to benefit from major infrastructure improvements and new plants for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, especially if it incorporates public input and builds worker power to grow the middle class.

America Needs Better Data on Race and Ethnicity In the News

America Needs Better Data on Race and Ethnicity

Rose Khattar and Edwith Theogene lay out glaring omissions in the way that the United States collects data on race and ethnicity and call for improvements to the processes.

The Messenger

Rose Khattar, Edwith Theogene

The Economic Consequences of Default Past Event
Image showing the U.S. Capitol dome against a dark sky.

The Economic Consequences of Default

Please join the Center for American Progress for a panel discussion with esteemed experts on the economic consequences of default.

Online only

Default Would Have a Catastrophic Impact on the Economy Article
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen delivers remarks.

Default Would Have a Catastrophic Impact on the Economy

Failure to increase the debt limit would have grave consequences for the U.S. economy, the global financial system, and the well-being of American families.

Jean Ross

5 States Addressing Child Hunger and Food Insecurity With Free School Meals for All Report
Image showing four students seated at a cafeteria table with their backs to the camera.

5 States Addressing Child Hunger and Food Insecurity With Free School Meals for All

State governments are taking the lead in implementing no-cost school meal programs to eliminate administrative and financial burdens for students, families, and school staff.

Allie Pearce, Akilah Alleyne, Anona Neal

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