With the rollout of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act dollars across the country, there has been renewed interest in how government might use procurement to encourage local investments in high-quality jobs. With a panel of experts, we describe different models federal, state, and local governments have used and what we have learned from these efforts. We also raise important questions about equity that emerge from the conversation and about how governments can embed ways to learn about these processes, adapt them, and ensure they meet their goals.

Speakers

• Emlyn Bottomley, Policy, Analyst, Good Jobs Initiative, US Department of Labor 
• Kimberley Brown, Senior Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Judith Dangerfield, Managing Director, Racial Equity Governing Agenda
• Nick DeVico, Director of Youth Programming, San Diego Workforce Partnership
• Frank Manzo, Economist, Illinois Economic Policy Institute
• Andrea Nicholls, Better Builder® Director, Workers Defense Project
• Molly M. Scott, Principal Research Associate, Urban Institute

Support for this event is provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. For more on Urban’s funding policies, go to urban.org/about/our-funding.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event.