Federal Infrastructure Communications Initiative: Investments for an Equitable Future 

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), authorized $1.2 trillion in federal funding, the largest-ever allocation for infrastructure in the United States. Alongside other major legislation (e.g., the Inflation Reduction Act), IIJA represented a once-in-a-generation, $4 trillion opportunity to support sustainable economic development, mitigate climate change, lay the foundation for high-quality jobs, and advance equity for communities of color and other underserved populations. 

 

​Despite the enormous potential for impact, little information was available on new infrastructure and other projects supported by this legislation, and very few Americans knew about the benefits their communities could reap. Trust in government remains low, especially in communities where past infrastructure projects have caused harm, from freeways isolating communities of color to lack of access to safe drinking water.  

 

In response, Hyphen undertook a three-phase, non-partisan project, the Federal Infrastructure Communications Initiative, to research and test the most effective messages for increasing the public’s awareness of equitable federal infrastructure investments. Hyphen partnered with People’s Action Institute to:

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• Ensure the public, especially communities of color, knows and values the current and potential impact of the largest federal investment in history; becomes engaged and connected at the local level; and strengthens their participation in civic life.

• Increase the visibility of IIJA and IRA programs and resources that combat climate change and create jobs in ways that advance racial equity.

 

For more information please contact info@hyphenpartnerships.org.