Centrist Democrats are sharpening their focus on economic issues as they prepare for the upcoming midterm elections. The Effective Governing Coalition (EGC), a nonprofit linked to the influential New Democratic Coalition, is set to host its inaugural policy conference titled "Delivering an Effective Economy: A Solutions Conference" on May 12 at the Planet Word Museum in Washington, D.C.

Launched in 2024, the EGC emphasizes economic growth, environmental sustainability, health care access, and national defense. The upcoming forum will spotlight new polling data concerning cost-of-living issues and explore strategies Democratic leaders can employ to enhance affordability for Americans.

This initiative arrives at a critical time when different factions within the Democratic Party are outlining their visions for an affordability agenda. Earlier this year, the New Democrats, the largest Democratic Caucus in the House, unveiled a comprehensive 16-page "Affordability Agenda," targeting reductions in costs associated with groceries, health care, housing, energy, and family needs. Meanwhile, the Congressional Progressive Caucus recently introduced a 10-point legislative plan aimed at curbing expenses.

The May 12 forum is not the EGC’s first venture into affordability discourse. Founded by Democratic veterans Mike Goodman and Kyle Layman, the EGC previously supported members from swing districts of the New Democrat Coalition through a summer advertising campaign criticizing Republicans' proposals to cut Medicaid.

The conference will feature a lineup of prominent speakers including Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), who is considering a presidential run, and Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), chair of the New Dems. Other notable attendees include Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Salud Carbajal (D-Cali.), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), and Greg Stanton (D-Ari.).

The event will also host a diverse group of commentators and analysts such as Fox News’ Jessica Tarlov, political journalists Leigh Ann Caldwell and Molly Ball, Molly Murphy from Impact Research, Doug Thornell of SKDK, and Lanae Erickson from Third Way.

In a strategic move to strengthen its operational capabilities ahead of the November elections, the EGC recently appointed Andrew Wright, former chief of staff to Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), as its first executive director. This addition underscores the organization's commitment to crafting a compelling and practical economic message as Democrats gear up for a crucial electoral battle.