Accelerator For America

We're proud to see this recognition for a city led by @MayorTimKelly, a member of the AFA Advisory Council and a champion for practical, people‑centered solutions. Local innovation is how we move the needle on housing, and Chattanooga is one of the cities showing the way.

Congratulations to the @Chattanooga_gov on earning an @IvoryInnovation Award for its Affordable Housing PILOT program. The program is a model for unlocking new mixed-income housing developments that replaces a one-sits-fits-all incentive program with a simpler, more precise approach, maximizing the impact of public investment. chattanooga.gov/stay-informed/…

In communities like Allentown, Riverside, Tampa, and St. Louis, local leaders are building models that move people into good jobs, connect employers to talent, and remove barriers to economic opportunity — and AFA is proud to support the work that gets results. #EconDevWeek #EconDev100 #IEDC100

Economic Development Week is a reminder that local leadership drives national progress. From strengthening workforce pipelines to expanding pathways to economic mobility, communities across the country are proving what’s possible.

Economic Development Week celebrates the people and partnerships shaping stronger, more resilient local economies. To every mayor, practitioner & community partner working to expand opportunity: Thank you! AFA is honored to stand with you & our friends at the @IEDCtweets as we build the next generation of local economic mobility. #EconDevWeek #EconDev100 #IEDC100

In a moment of major transition, cities are driving solutions on workforce, housing, transit, and infrastructure. As AFA Board Chair Michelle De La Isla says, our role is to connect local leaders with the partners who help match vision with action. #NationalChangeFromTheGroundUp

Cities nationwide are building the transportation systems their residents deserve. Transportation is one of the most powerful economic development tools cities have — because sustained, community‑driven investment builds capacity & momentum. Being a “Do Tank” means helping local leaders turn vision into action & action into opportunity.

Accelerator for America partners with mayors and local leaders to turn big ideas into real solutions — from expanding transit and infrastructure investment to accelerating economic mobility in communities nationwide. If you’re new to our work, this short video 🎥 is the perfect place to start. cc: @MayorGallego @MayorLucasKC @davidfholt @coreywoodstempe

He also represented AFA on the national stage & helped shape the organization we are today. Mayor Lucas will remain an active member of the Advisory Council & the AFA family. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and look forward to more good work together!

Mayor Lucas played a pivotal role in expanding AFA’s place‑based work in KC — from new workforce development models to designation as an EDA Tech Hub, to tens of millions in federal investment put to work for KC residents.

AFA Advisory Council this spring marked a bittersweet milestone: @MayorLucasKC is stepping down as Advisory Council Co-Chair after over 4 years of extraordinary service. Together with Co‑Chair @MayorGallego, he has guided AFA through an incredible period of growth & evolution.

Thank you to those who joined us for our spring Advisory Council meeting in Riverside! The discussions showcased how cities nationwide are driving innovation & inclusive growth in economic development, workforce, housing, and transit & infrastructure. Dive in deeper: acceleratorforamerica.org/news/riverside… cc: @MayorLockDawson

Our latest update looks at how local leaders can position their communities to benefit from this next chapter, with more resources to follow. Reach out if you want to learn more or see opportunities to partner on this work!

Opportunity Zones 2.0 is a chance to refocus investment on real community benefit — from housing to growing the fiscal base. With support from @RWJF & in partnership with Rvesta & @bruce_katz, we’re helping cities identify the tracts with the strongest potential for impact. acceleratorforamerica.org/news/making-op…

“They help you think about the path ... and then they're with you every single step.” — Reid Day, Chief of Staff to @MayorLucasKC His words reflect what we strive to be: a true partner to local leaders. We're proud to be longtime partners in KC on workforce & economic mobility.

What is capacity building? For us, it means bringing the right expertise at the right time — and strengthening local leadership, not replacing it. As part of USDOT’s Thriving Communities Program with @WSPUSA & @ncatsuaggies, we delivered: ✅68 tailored deliverables ✅5 successful grant apps → $94M+ ✅50 in‑person stakeholder meetings Proud of this work every day. Learn more: acceleratorforamerica.org/news/what-does…

🚊 Austin’s light rail is advancing with strong federal support and community‑driven planning. A model for cities designing local infrastructure funds and delivering better transit. #InfrastructureWorks #BuildingAStrongerAmerica cc: @ATP_org @EnoTrans mailchi.mp/34ec87fc1b45/a…

📢ATTN city leaders: How can your community sustain the momentum of federal infrastructure investments? Join the Local Infrastructure Hub for a final deep-dive session on implementing and sustaining federal funding for the long term. 🗓️Tuesday, March 31 🕑 2 p.m. ET 🔗Register: usmayors.zoom.us/meeting/regist…

We celebrate their impact, their example, and their unwavering commitment to building a more equitable, prosperous future for all.

Women leaders continue to drive some of the most innovative policy solutions in the nation.

At Accelerator for America, we are proud to work alongside remarkable women on our Advisory Council and Boards of Directors who have guided and strengthened our work since our founding and whose leadership is transforming what’s possible for residents across the country.