Economic renewal amid political shifts: Proposals for revitalizing industrial heartlands in the U.S. and Germany

On both sides of the Atlantic, the green transformation of the economy stands at a crossroads. In the U.S., Donald Trump is dismantling the Biden administration’s agenda on climate action and industrial renewal. In Germany, ambitious EU and national transformation policies are put in question, as the formation of a new German coalition government is underway. 

At the heart of this debate are the industrial heartlands of the U.S. and Germany – regions long struggling with the decline of single-sector economies, economic stagnation, outdated infrastructure and deep social divides. From Detroit’s automotive factories to Cottbus’ strip mines, the future of green economic transformation will decide these regions’ continued decline or revitalization.

Two policy papers provide key insights into the challenges and opportunities these regions face and offer actionable recommendations, drawing on field research from across Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan, conducted just weeks before the 2024 presidential election. Developed by twelve young U.S. and German change-makers as part of the Transatlantic Dialogue on the Industrial Heartlands project, the papers offer concrete proposals to steer investment in people and place, improve local governance and foster innovation.

Join us to discuss first-hand insights on Wednesday 19 March 2025 at 15:00-16:15 (CET/Berlin) / 10:00-11:15 PM (EST/Washington, D.C.) to hear from:

• Ben Harrington, Community Development Director for the City of Little Canada, Minnesota
• Whitney Terrill, Environmental Justice Organizer at the Sierra Club North Star Chapter
• Thomas Kralinski, State Secretary at the Saxon State Ministry of Economics, Labor and Transport, and Member of the Project Sounding Board
• Jodi Emerson (tbc), Wisconsin State Representative

Moderated by:

• Claire Ainsley, Director of the Project on Center-Left Renewal, Progressive Policy Institute

After a short presentation of the two policy papers by the authors, Jodi Emerson (tbc) and Thomas Kralinski will comment on the policy recommendations. Participants can then discuss the two papers in breakout rooms.

Please note that this event will be held in English.

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