In 2025, New Mexico became the first state in the country to implement universal child care—a historic milestone that shows what is possible when movements build power over the long term.

When governments use the power of the purse to create good jobs, workers, families, and communities benefit. Strong labor standards raise wages, improve job quality, and expand economic stability—helping build a more equitable economy for all. 

Public banks keep public money working for the public. By giving communities control over how public dollars are invested, public banks can reduce costs, expand access to capital, strengthen local economies, and build long-term economic and political power for Black and brown communities. 

When we tax extreme wealth and invest the revenue in public goods, we can reduce the racial wealth divide, foster economic security, strengthen democracy, and build a more prosperous economy for everyone.  

Universal child care is a win for everyone, supporting economic well-being for families and children, as well as better working conditions for care workers. By investing in care today, we create generational opportunity. 

Affordable housing isn't just about lowering rents—it's about giving families the stability, security, and power they need to build a better future.

A policy agenda for building a just, inclusive multiracial democracy and economy where everyone has the power to shape the rules that govern their lives.

The private child care market has failed families for decades. Here's why federal funding is the only path to affordable, high-quality care for all.

The affordability crisis is the result of policy choices — and different choices can reverse it. This report from Dēmos and People's Action traces why housing, utilities, food, health care, and child care have become unaffordable, and five structural solutions for building a people-powered, racially