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Outgoing US President Biden to sign executive order prioritising distressed communities

The order aims to solidify Biden’s efforts to direct significant investments in infrastructure, energy, broadband, and job training to areas in need.

Biden’s order directs federal agencies to streamline funding access for distressed regions. (AP photo)

On his final day in office, outgoing US President Joe Biden will sign an executive order prioritizing government resources for economically distressed communities, often referred to as “Left-Behind Communities.” The order aims to, as per Reuters, solidify Biden’s efforts to direct significant investments in infrastructure, energy, broadband, and job training to areas in need, laying groundwork for incoming President Donald Trump to continue these initiatives.

The White House weighted the $54 billion invested in Energy Communities and billions more allocated to tech hubs, job training, and infrastructure over the past four years. Biden’s order directs federal agencies to streamline funding access for distressed regions, aiming at long-term recovery from economic and natural disasters.

“It’s not splashy,” said White House adviser Lael Brainard, “but it helps communities in the heartland make comebacks.”

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Biden stressed at the importance of supporting areas grappling with industrial decline, unemployment, and poverty, stating, “We’ve made historic investments to turn setbacks into comebacks.”

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The initiative builds on efforts such as the Commerce Department’s $700 million tech hubs program, which expanded tech growth beyond traditional centers like Silicon Valley and Boston, reported Reuters. The order also establishes a “No Wrong Door” policy to help communities navigate federal resources effectively.

Trump, who signed a similar executive order in 2018, has pledged to reduce regulations and increase tariffs to stimulate economic growth during his second term.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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