Rebuilding Democratic Trust Through Economic Policy and Delivery: Insights from Columbia SIPA

On November 8, Columbia SIPA and the Washington Center for Equitable Growth convened leading thinkers for a wide-ranging discussion on right-wing populism, declining democratic trust, and the role of economic policy in rebuilding a healthy civic fabric. HCA’s own Hon. Don Graves, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, joined Nobel Prize–winning economist Dr. Joseph Stiglitz, Barnard Professor of Political Science, Dr. Sheri Berman, and Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk for the opening panel, moderated by Lydia DePillis of The New York Times.

The panel explored a central theme: economic policy and democratic trust are deeply interconnected, and the effectiveness of institutions—public or private—depends not on strategy design but on how results are delivered, communicated, and experienced within communities. This insight increasingly defines expectations for corporations, financial institutions, philanthropic actors, and public-sector partners alike. Strong ideas lay the foundation, but they must be delivered with speed, precision, and coordination.

Don grounded this point in the lessons of large-scale federal investments, from CHIPS and Tech Hubs to manufacturing and community revitalization efforts. These investments have been and continue to be critical, but their real-world impact depends on:

• rapid execution,

• visible progress,

• strong communication, and

• collaboration across sectors.
  
  

“It’s not just what you deliver,” Don emphasized. “It’s where, how, and when people experience change that determines whether they believe institutions are working for them.”

These delivery principles apply just as much to the private sector as they do to Government. Companies, banks, and foundations are measured by delivered outcomes, clear communications, and trust built through partnership. 

The panel also underscored a truth HCA sees across every region we work in: economic strategy is better positioned to succeed when local stakeholders co-own the work.

This means:

• local leaders,

• community organizations,

• small businesses,

• industry anchors,

• educational institutions,

• workforce partners, and

• philanthropic actors
  
  

…all playing active, coordinated roles. Top-down solutions—whether crafted by Washington, a corporate headquarters, or a national philanthropy—often struggle to find the traction they need to deliver unless local actors are at the center of shaping and implementing them.

This discussion surfaced several essential takeaways that guide how we think about economic strategy and democratic trust:

1. Delivery is the difference between ideas and impact.

Communities, customers, and stakeholders judge institutions—public or private—on their follow-through. Clear communication, visible progress, and well-coordinated implementation build trust; slow or burdensome delivery erodes it.

2. Coalitions are crucial to successful buy-in and implementation. 

Transformative economic work requires alignment across public, private, philanthropic, and community partners. No single actor—not Washington, not a corporate HQ, not a foundation—can drive durable change alone. Broad, credible coalitions are what give initiatives momentum and legitimacy.

3. Local actors must shape and co-own the work.

Place-based strategies succeed when the people closest to the ground—local leaders, businesses, institutions, and community organizations—have both a voice and a stake in the outcome. Local ownership is what ensures durability long after a grant cycle or project window ends.

4. Storytelling binds coalitions and builds trust.

Narrative helps partners understand the shared vision, align incentives, and demonstrate impact to their communities. Storytelling is infrastructure for collaboration and credibility.

Ultimately, the conversation at Columbia SIPA reinforced what we at HCA see every day: rebuilding trust in democracy requires more than good policy. It requires disciplined execution, locally rooted coalitions, and a shared narrative about where communities are heading and why it matters. When institutions deliver visibly, partner authentically, and empower local actors to lead, people begin to feel that progress is both possible and personal. That is the work ahead. Those efforts and delivery will determine whether policy can truly rebuild democratic confidence, strengthen community vitality, and create a more inclusive future where people see and feel the benefits of a thriving democracy and economy