Economic recovery in American cities: How federal jobs programs can combat unemployment

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc upon American life, with staggering economic, social, and health impacts. Massive layoffs and furloughs have pushed millions of workers and families to the financial brink, and both the health and economic impacts are disproportionately borne by communities of color. Even as states reopen, the scope and pace of hiring is be nowhere near enough to compensate for the tens of millions of jobs lost in the past few months. Massive unemployment requires a proportionate response, and only the federal government has the capacity to meet this challenge.

As part of the COVID-19 Metro Recovery Watch, the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program hosted the second in a series of virtual events highlighting principles and strategies for advancing inclusive economic recovery. Speakers described different models for providing publicly-funded jobs, the kinds of important and socially useful services they can provide, and consider as well the merits of a federal jobs guarantee. The discussion also highlighted existing state and local efforts that could be replicated at a national scale, as well as the nuts-and-bolts of program design, administration, and funding.

To watch the first Economic Recovery in American Cities event with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, click here.