Everyone deserves access to fast, reliable, and affordable wireless connectivity—regardless of income level or where they live. Wireless Future works to make this vision a reality by reclaiming and repurposing the public airwaves—the invisible natural resource known as spectrum.

For over two decades, Wireless Future has influenced and reframed the national debate over spectrum policy. Our work has delivered tangible results—including an enormous expansion of the public’s unlicensed access to the spectrum that powers Wi-Fi, narrowing digital divides. We also pioneer dynamic spectrum-sharing frameworks that better connect schools, libraries, community networks, and today’s expanding satellite broadband constellations. Wireless Future develops innovative policies, leads coalitions, and informs policymakers and the press. We have produced hundreds of regulatory filings and policy reports, dozens of articles in major publications, and over 100 high-profile public events.

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, New America’s Us@250 initiative aims to celebrate the nation’s progress, reckon with its problematic past, and spark conversations about the future of America. The initiative provides a unifying framework for the semiquincentennial, hosts an annual fellowship, and conducts a national event series to bring people together across differences.

Tax credits and government benefits can only help low-income Illinoisans if they receive them. Lack of access to technology, poor delivery systems, and other barriers often keep our lowest-income neighbors from getting the help they already qualify for and need the most. The Get My Payment Illinois Coalition is a group of nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping residents access free tax filing help, 530A child investment accounts (Trump Accounts), Child Tax Credits, Earned Income Tax Credits, and affordable bank accounts.

Between 2020 and 2022, the coalition helped over 220,000 people learn how to receive their pandemic stimulus checks and a variety of tax credits, as well as access BankOn accounts. Working with government and nonprofit partners, including libraries, social service agencies, and food pantries, we shared critical information to connect low-income residents with payments through social media, ads, and in-person events. Our insights from working directly with community members, helped inspire major policy improvements. New America Chicago is a founding member of this coalition, which was revived in 2025 to help low-income, Illinois families access free tax preparation help.

Visit the coalition’s website at getmypaymentillinois.org to learn how to file for tax credits, get a child investment account, and find guidance on safe, affordable banking products.