On September 22, the Senate confirmed Arati Prabhakar as White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) director, the first woman of color and immigrant to hold the position. Prabhakar is uniquely suited for navigating these challenges. She previously headed the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. She held several roles in Silicon Valley, including with the early-stage venture firm US Venture Partners, and she recently founded the nonprofit Actuate, which seeks to bring new actors to the table in developing solutions for areas such as climate, health, and trustworthy data. She will be able to draw on that public and private sector experience to shape how agencies stand up these new programs and design the guidelines and rules for new funding streams.
Implementing Federal Innovation Programs: A Road Map for States
An unexpectedly productive Congress has passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), CHIPS Act, and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which aim to improve America’s infrastructure, boost competitiveness with China, and accelerate new climate technologies. Attention now shifts to implementation. State and community leaders should begin work now to prepare for funding competitions on the horizon.
Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People
Honored to be included in the Washingtonian Magazine's list of Most Influential People along with so many inspiring leaders. Wonderful to see many friends and colleagues on this list.
Are Federal Broadband Grants Taxable?
Casey Lide of Keller and Heckman recently wrote a blog post warning that federal grant funding might be considered taxable income by the IRS. This unexpected tax liability could severely curtail the impact of federal grant programs designed to expand affordable broadband connectivity and close the digital divide. The Biden administration is weighing available options for using executive authority to exempt these projects, but a better remedy is for Congress to pass a clean and clear extension.