The Moment for New Ideas is Now

by Chad Maisel—Project 2029 Executive Director

Over coffee recently, I asked a fellow Democratic policy wonk a simple question: what are we “for?” She paused for an uncomfortably long moment, then pointed to the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits — the expiring subsidies that were at the center of last year’s government shutdown. To be sure, they matter; millions rely on them to afford coverage. But in a moment this consequential we have a problem if our primary counter message for the fate of the republic is an adjustment to health insurance tax credits.

A recent Pew survey found that just 8 percent of Americans say Democrats have “a lot of good ideas.” This isn’t new: in 2024–four years into an administration with significant legislative achievement — an alarming share of Americans couldn’t name what it had accomplished — and even fewer could say what Democrats were offering next.

I’ve spent upwards of twenty years in and around Democratic politics — in the White House, on presidential campaigns, and on Capitol Hill. I’ve worked on policies I’m proud of. I’ve also had a front row seat — and been a part of — plenty of mistakes and missed opportunities. Getting this right has never been more important than it is right now. And that’s why I’m so excited by the work we’re doing at Project 2029 to develop a governing agenda that is big, bold, and built for the future.

One thing I know: this is not a time for small ball or tinkering around the edges of big problems.

An increasingly visible debate has emerged about what policies should define our next governing moment. Some question whether we should advance new ideas at all. They’ve argued we do not need — and should avoid — a Project 2029. As one prominent pundit recently put it, “there is no reason to think that fresh new ideas are what’s needed here. What Democrats actually need is fewer ideas.”

I disagree. Yes, we must resist the damaging policies of the Trump administration, but we also need fresh ideas that lay out a bold agenda for what the country can become.

That is the purpose of Project 2029. For months, we’ve been working with hundreds of policy experts — both long-time leaders as well as new thinkers — to develop ideas that meet this moment.

The last Democratic primary contest, in the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election, offers a cautionary tale. Too often, the policy debate felt less like presidential candidates putting forward tangible proposals tied to Americans’ daily lives and more like high schoolers competing for yearbook superlatives: whose policy had the biggest price tag or was projected to hit an abstract target the fastest.

Ahead of the 2024 elections, dozens of conservative think tanks and experts worked together to craft an agenda for the next administration. They called it “Project 2025.” For all its flaws, it became the most recognizable effort to prepare an actionable, far-right agenda should a Republican presidential candidate win. Its elements were explicit and blunt, including, in their words:

• “Secure the border, finish building the wall, and deport illegal aliens.”

• “Ban biological males from competing in women’s sports.”

• “Dismantle the administrative state.”

That agenda — controversial and in some cases unpopular — helped define the governing direction the Administration is now pursuing at breakneck speed.

We too need a governing vision, and the moment for new ideas is now.

Here are three big tenets of our strategy:

First, we should take big swings. No more tinkering at the margins or reheating ideas that have circulated for decades. What would it actually take to make housing and childcare truly affordable? How do we end corruption and incompetence at every level of government? And what is our vision for confronting modern challenges — from AI to loneliness?

Second, it’s time to shake things up, because what we’re doing isn’t working. The Trump administration has been a disaster for working families, introducing unprecedented corruption and empowering corporate interests. But dissatisfaction with the direction of the country didn’t begin with Trump — and it won’t end when he leaves the White House. Costs have risen under administrations of both parties. Some parents felt abandoned during pandemic school closures. And many Americans have long believed that government simply isn’t looking out for them. We should be willing to turn the page and offer fresh solutions, even when that means breaking with our own recent past. Rebuilding to where we were in January 2025 is not enough.

Finally, our proposals should make clear how they would actually help solve the problems people face. Tangible solutions aren’t “nice-to-haves;” they are how we inspire, address real problems, and build the country we all deserve. But too often, we bury good policy in complexity, process, and technocratic language. What is our version of “no tax on tips” or “build the wall?” We may not agree with those policies, but everyone knows exactly what they mean and the values they signal.

In the months ahead, Project 2029 will put forward a series of proposals for what comes next. Unlike the sprawling 900-plus pages of Project 2025, Project 2029 will be focused on advancing fresh, broadly popular ideas that engage and inspire Americans.

I hope you’ll join us in this important effort:

1. Share. Please share this post and our work with those you know who want to join the effort of creating a modern, hopeful, effective, forward-looking vision for America.

2. Support. Help fund our work by making a tax-deductible, 501(c)3 donation.

3. Speak up. We’re working to identify the most promising ideas from across the country and build a coherent governing framework for real change and progress. If you have new ideas, share them here.

Together, we can shape the coming “ideas primary,” anchor the debate in the problems that most affect people’s lives, and let disillusioned Americans know that help is on the way.