Build Resilient Infrastructure

A 21st Century infrastructure will improve our quality of life – from removing toxins like lead and asbestos from our homes, to connecting communities with high-speed rail, to affordable high-speed internet for everyone.

• The American Society of Civil Engineers assigned the United States a C- grade when assessing our conditions of roads, airports and other infrastructure elements
• The Highway Trust Fund is facing a shortfall of $135 billion deficit by 2031
• Transit and pedestrian infrastructure receives pennies on the dollar compared to vehicle infrastructure
• The Affordable Connectivity Program has run out of money from Congress and no longer provides subsidies for high-speed internet for low-income households

Vision and policy priorities

Transition to a 21st century infrastructure to transform our energy, water and transportation systems

• Work with state, county, and city governments to ensure we are maximizing the impact of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, especially in communities of color
• Maximize investments through the Inflation Reduction Act to make our electric grid is resilient and our communities have access to clean, decentralized renewable energy
• Expand access to transit and pedestrian travel options, including bus rapid transit, light rail, bike lanes, and walkable communities
• Mandate local hiring in addition to raising the benchmark for locally prevailing wages in each area, increasing workers’ paychecks
• Target employment for those who have been systematically shut out of economic growth
• Invest in and prioritize communities of color and women-owned businesses, cooperatives and employee-owned firms, and community-owned and municipal enterprises

Address the national clean water crisis​

Our nation’s water infrastructure continues to age and suffer from a lack of repairs, while new water quality challenges are emerging and localities are being asked to do more with less support from their federal government.

• Increase funding for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds, and ensure that all local governments have fair access to these funds
• Create a new grant program for the repair and service of household drinking water wells
• Increase funding to Indigenous governments for water infrastructure
• Provide funding for public schools to test and replace drinking water infrastructure
• Provide grants to replace lead service lines serving households

Ensure nationwide access to reliable, high-speed internet

• Full fund the Affordable Connectivity Program
• Protect Net Neutrality
• Support investments in rural broadband infrastructure
• Provide digital health tools for health care professionals and remove geographic barriers for patient treatment
• Provide a 21st century education for our youth, giving them the digital skills they need for a brighter future