Bill Overview
Title: Access for All Communities Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Economic Development Administration to establish an online clearinghouse to increase awareness about federal and state programs, grants, loans, and other assistance available to support economic development in capacity-constrained communities.
Sponsors: Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
Target Audience
Population: People living in capacity-constrained communities globally
Estimated Size: 30000000
- Capacity-constrained communities often lack the resources and information necessary to access economic development programs, particularly in low-income or rural areas.
- Federal and state grants, loans, and assistance programs can help improve economic development, infrastructure, and community resources.
- The online clearinghouse will serve as a centralized resource hub, which could be accessed by community leaders, organizations, and individuals looking for economic opportunities.
Reasoning
- Given the budget and target estimate, the policy can have a moderate reach if executed effectively, meaning it may not directly reach every community but can lay groundwork for awareness.
- The clearinghouse would be a valuable tool for individuals and groups already involved in community development efforts or those seeking funding but previously unaware of resources.
- The policy could provide indirect benefits to surrounding communities if increased economic activity is stimulated in targeted areas, spreading positive effects.
- Because of the digital nature of the clearinghouse, there's minimal physical infrastructure costs, making the approach cost-effective but reliant on accessibility to digital platforms by target groups.
Simulated Interviews
Community Organizer (Appalachian Region, KY)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always believed part of the battle is knowing what's available. A central resource like this could bridge that gap for us.
- If this policy works, we could see more grants funneled into projects that the community really needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (South Side, Chicago, IL)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the more information we have, the better choices we can make, but not everyone in my community uses the internet effectively.
- I worry that while this could be helpful, it might miss those without reliable online access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
School Teacher (Rural Nebraska)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having an easier way to access information could be a game changer for securing more resources for our schools.
- I hope the clearinghouse is user-friendly for people who might not be tech-savvy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Factory Worker (Inner-city Detroit, MI)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this clearinghouse actually helps get projects started here, I could see some real change.
- But honestly, I don't use computers much, so I'd need someone to show me how to use it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Cultural Consultant (Navajo Nation, AZ)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My community could benefit from this if we're made aware of it and it includes resources for cultural economic support.
- I hope there's outreach to make it relevant to us and others like us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Farmer (Rural Mississippi)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important to have better access to these programs since they can help keep our farm afloat.
- If it's truly accessible, it could be a major support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Non-profit Director (Baltimore, MD)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy has potential if the information is comprehensive and kept up to date.
- I'm curious to see how 'inclusive' of differing community needs it will be.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 21 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a student, I look forward to seeing how this can aid research and real-world applications.
- Hoping this heralds more integration of tech and urban development.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Tech Startup Entrepreneur (Houston, TX)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A digital clearinghouse is great, but its success will depend on how seamless and robust its integration is for tech-driven ventures.
- I'm optimistic if it's done right.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Community Health Worker (Bronx, NY)
Age: 59 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A tool like this could make it a lot easier for us to connect people to health-focused funding.
- I do worry about the tech gap and reaching those who need it most.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- The initial high costs of setting up and maintaining the clearinghouse should be weighed against the potential long-term economic benefits.
- The effectiveness of the clearinghouse in reaching and assisting the target populations will strongly influence both the economic and fiscal outcomes.
- Coordination with state and local governments is crucial to ensure the clearinghouse effectively complements existing resources.