On the eve of his departure from office, U.S. President Joe Biden is set to sign an executive order aimed at directing federal resources to economically struggling communities across the nation. The order targets “Left-Behind Communities” and intends to support the incoming administration under President Donald Trump, who will oversee ongoing investments in infrastructure, energy, broadband, and other projects initiated during Biden’s presidency.
An estimated 50 million Americans, or about 15% of the U.S. population, live in distressed areas marked by factors such as poverty, unemployment, poor education, and economic decline. Over the past four years, the Biden administration has already allocated significant resources, including $54 billion for energy communities and $525 million for job training in these regions.
Biden’s order focuses on fostering economic development in distressed regions, particularly those undergoing industrial transitions, recovering from natural disasters, or emerging as innovation hubs. White House economic adviser Lael Brainard emphasized that the initiative is part of Biden’s ongoing effort to help these communities recover and rebuild, particularly in the heartland of the U.S.
The Commerce Department has awarded funds for “tech hubs” to spread the benefits of the tech sector beyond traditional areas like Silicon Valley and Boston, while Biden has pledged continued support for factory towns and coal-dependent regions. The executive order also sets up a comprehensive coordination of federal investments and resources to ensure these communities have access to long-term economic growth opportunities.
The initiative builds on efforts from previous administrations, including an executive order by President Trump in 2018, which aimed to revitalize distressed communities through increased tariffs and regulatory cuts. Biden’s executive order, however, focuses on a more structured, government-wide approach to addressing economic challenges and fostering recovery in underserved areas.
