Individual Projects

Build Back Better Regional Challenge & Community of Practice

Economic Competitiveness and DevelopmentBuild Back Better Regional Challenge & Community of Practice

In December 2021, the Economic Development Administration announced 60 finalists in its Build Back Better Regional Challenge. With a transformative $1 billion investment in American innovation, the Challenge aims to develop and strengthen regional industry clusters across the country, “all while embracing economic equity, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. competitiveness globally.” America Achieves is proud to be a leader in the coalition selected by the EDA to support the 60 finalists as they translate their Round 1 proposals into Round 2 proposals and actionable plans that leverage regional assets, build new local partnerships and accelerate their economic vision. We do so through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Community of Practice – supported through a $3 million grant to the National League of Cities, with America Achieves joining the Nowak Metro Finance Lab at Drexel University as sub-awardees.

We seek to drive asset-based, inclusive economic growth, with transformative outcomes. We do so by supporting state and local initiatives that advance economic impact with evidence-based industry clusters and a focus on equity – including prioritizing underserved populations, as well as historically excluded or distressed communities. 

We also aim to help regions achieve long-term economic impact. This includes supporting economic growth that is based on regional assets, anchor institutions, and competitive strengths, rather than on competition with other regions. We support regional initiatives that seek measurably greater and more equitable wage growth, business formation and scaling, and attainment of good jobs with economic mobility for communities; the transition of economic and workforce development systems to align with emerging market opportunities; the growth of the national economy; and the building of a foundation for future efforts through modeling of approaches that can be replicated sustainably across the country.