Center for American Progress

Center for American Progress
source
Name	Center for American Progress
Founded	2003
Founder	John Podesta
Type	Public policy think tank
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Key people	Patrick Gaspard (President)
Focus	Progressive politics, Domestic policy, Foreign policy
Revenue	$59.4 million (2022)

Center for American Progress is a prominent progressive public policy research and advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C.. Founded in the early 21st century, it has become a central hub for developing and promoting liberal policy ideas and political strategy. The organization conducts research, publishes reports, and advocates for policies across a wide spectrum, including economic policy, health care, climate change, and national security. It is widely regarded as an influential voice within the Democratic Party and the broader progressive movement in the United States.

History

The organization was established in 2003 by John Podesta, who had previously served as White House Chief of Staff under President Bill Clinton. Its creation was part of a concerted effort by Democratic strategists to build a counterweight to well-funded conservative think tanks like The Heritage Foundation. Initial funding came from a coalition of donors including George Soros and the Sandler Foundation. During the Presidency of Barack Obama, the organization's influence grew substantially, with many of its staff and fellows, including Podesta himself, taking senior roles in the Obama administration. It later played a significant role in policy development for the 2016 presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton.

Policy and advocacy

The organization develops and advocates for a comprehensive progressive policy agenda. Its economic work focuses on issues like income inequality, workers' rights, and tax reform, often proposing expansions to the social safety net in the United States. On climate change, it advocates for ambitious green energy investments and regulations, influencing the development of plans like the Green New Deal. In health care policy, it has supported the Affordable Care Act and pushed for further expansions of Medicare. Its national security and foreign policy analysts provide liberal internationalist perspectives on issues ranging from nuclear diplomacy with Iran to relations with China.

Leadership and organization

The organization's leadership has included several notable figures from Democratic politics. Following founder John Podesta, subsequent presidents have included Neera Tanden and, as of 2024, Patrick Gaspard, a former ambassador and political operative. The board of directors has included influential individuals like Tom Daschle, the former Senate Majority Leader. It operates several affiliated initiatives, including CAP Action Fund, its advocacy arm, and the news outlet ThinkProgress, which was later shuttered. The organization maintains a large staff of policy experts, many of whom have held positions in the White House, the United States Congress, and various federal agencies.

Publications and media

The organization produces a wide array of publications, including in-depth reports, rapid-response fact sheets, and the daily news digest, The Progress Report. Its scholars frequently author columns for major outlets like The Washington Post and The New York Times. It has also been instrumental in creating influential multimedia projects and data visualizations to communicate complex policy ideas. While its affiliated outlet ThinkProgress was a significant voice in progressive media for years, the organization now focuses its media efforts through its main website and strong presence on platforms like Twitter.

Influence and impact

The organization is considered one of the most influential think tanks on the political left in the United States. Its policy proposals frequently shape the platforms of Democratic candidates and the legislative agenda of party leaders in Congress. Many of its alumni hold or have held high-level government positions, creating a direct pipeline from its offices to the White House and Cabinet. It plays a key role in coordinating strategy within the progressive movement, often partnering with aligned groups like MoveOn and Sierra Club. Its research and advocacy on issues like climate policy, health care reform, and immigration reform have consistently placed it at the center of major national policy debates.

Category:Think tanks based in Washington, D.C. Category:Progressive organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 2003