Anne Arundel Today

WASHINGTON, DC – On April 19, 2023, members of the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) and its Chair, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) held a meeting with Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs Jed Kolko to discuss the Department of Commerce's Regional Economic Research Initiative. The Regional Initiative will help identify the unique strengths and weaknesses of various regional economies, uncover new opportunities for growth, provide insights into local economic needs, and maximize the impact of regional investments. The meeting focused on how the RLC can work with the Commerce officials leading this initiative to help communities in every region of the country realize their potential for economic prosperity and competition.

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries created the Regional Leadership Council in January 2023 and appointed Congressman Hoyer to serve as its Chair. In addition to Congressman Hoyer, the council consists of twelve Members who each represent one of the United States' twelve regions. The council is working to ensure that Americans in every corner of the country and in every zip code can access the opportunities created by the historic polices that Democrats secured in the 117th Congress, including the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the Honoring Our PACT Act, and many others. 

"I was pleased to meet with my colleagues on the Regional Leadership Council and Under Secretary Kolko today to discuss the Department of Commerce's Regional Economic Research Initiative," Congressman Hoyer said after the meeting. "As we continue our work to deliver on the promises made through the transformative laws we enacted last Congress, the RLC is committed to ensuring that no community or region is overlooked. All Americans – no matter where they live – deserve to feel the positive impact of these policies and the opportunities they create. The Regional Economic Research Initiative uses vital tools and strategies that will help the RLC identify the needs of local communities as well as the best solutions to help them thrive. I look forward to continuing to work with Under Secretary Kolko, the Department of Commerce, and the rest of the Biden-Harris Administration to help American workers, families, and businesses get ahead in every corner of the country."

"I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the Regional Economic Research Initiative with my House colleagues," said Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs Jed Kolko. "People deserve to have economic opportunity where they live. The Regional Economic Research Initiative will give us a better understanding of how federal investments combat geographic inequality and boost regional competitiveness.”

To learn more about the RLC and its work, CLICK HERE. 

Original source can be found here.