About Redefining Progress

Redefining Progress is the nation’s leading public policy think tank dedicated to smart economics. We find solutions that ensure a sustainable and equitable world for future generations.

While conventional models for economic growth discount such assets as clean air, safe streets, and cohesive communities, Redefining Progress integrates these assets into a more sustainable economic model. Working with government and advocacy groups, Redefining Progress develops innovative policies that balance economic well-being, environmental preservation, and social justice.

Our policy initiatives address pressing environmental issues such as global climate change and natural resource depletion, while ensuring that both the burdens and the benefits of these policies are shared equally among affected communities. We inject ground-breaking ideas into public dialogue, policy discourse, and decision-making in compelling and nonpartisan ways.

Redefining Progress impacts public policy through:

• Unbiased research: We conduct objective research about how economic policies and business practices impact people’s lives.

• Innovative tools: Our economists develop practical tools to help governments, businesses, and individuals measure their impact on the environment and society.

• Smart solutions: We pioneer and champion forward-looking initiatives to shift public policy toward sustainable economics.

Redefining Progress partners with grassroots organizations, policymakers, businesses, labor unions, and educators to empower people and strengthen communities throughout the United States. We believe that redefining progress locally will have global ramifications.

Our Impact to Date

1994: Redefining Progress is founded by Harvard MPA graduate Ted Halstead to develop and promote economically viable, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable public policy.

1995: Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) inspires national debate about true measures of economic health.

1997: “Economists’ Statement on Climate Change,” a letter signed by 2,500 economists worldwide, demonstrates unprecedented support for climate change action.

1999: “Greening the Golden State” report paves the way for a 14-state coalition to support reducing state government deficits through pollution charges.

2000: “Clean Energy and Jobs” climate change report is the first to be jointly endorsed by labor and environmental groups.

2001: Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative builds a coalition of 28 environmental and religious advocacy groups committed to climate policy change.

2001: Climate Asset Plan proposes how to curb greenhouse gases and reduce dependence on fossil fuels while addressing state budget crises.

2002: Ecological Footprint Quiz educates six million people in 60 countries and seven languages about sustainability issues.

2003: Center for a Sustainable Economy merger creates the nation’s largest U.S.-focused sustainability policy institute.

2003: Climate Justice Corps becomes the nation’s first youth leadership training program for climate justice advocacy.

2004: “African Americans and Climate Change: An Unequal Burden” draws attention to the equity issues inherent in global warming.

2005: Scenarios for Sustainability guides regional planning efforts of government and community groups.

2006: California’s AB 32 becomes law, the world’s strongest climate protection legislation influenced by the Redefining Progress legislative blueprint.

Today: Redefining Progress is the nation’s go-to sustainability think tank, building partnerships to influence policy and catalyze action.

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