Federal partnership is shrinking. Now is the time to design resilience.
Federal divestment from states cannot (and may never) be adjusted in time to meaningfully alter their already accumulating impacts on communities and everyday people across the country.
We believe that cross-sector civic leaders everywhere must behave as though these policies are functionally irreversible realities.
Each state in the Union has distinct realities and the impact of federal actions may vary significantly across state lines.
So, how can states most effectively redesign themselves for competitive, thriving resiliency in this time of historical contraction of federal partnership?
A clear way for civic, philanthropic, and business leaders to respond, together.
Invite Taqee Khaled to Speak
Media and Interviews
Join the Peer Network of Civic Leaders Committed to Practical Next Steps
What is the Independent State Model?
In less than a year, federal actions have pulled back over a trillion dollars from core domestic programs. Most leaders are doing what they can: patching gaps, chasing short-term fixes, and hoping for a policy reversal that may not come.
This resource starts from a different premise: Assume the cuts are real. Then design a state that can still thrive.
Who is This For?
This framework is built for executive leaders who carry real responsibility for what happens next:
- Governors’ offices and senior state officials.
- CEOs and senior leaders in healthcare, finance, infrastructure, and major employers.
- Philanthropic executives and family office principals.
- Business and civic leaders stewarding regional or statewide initiatives.
- University, hospital, and anchor institution leaders.
- Media and data leaders shaping public understanding.
It's not advocacy, not a policy platform.
If you're a cross-sector civic leader making decisions about capital, policy, or statewide systems, this model is for you.
What You'll Get From The Action Plan
In The Independent State: A Model to Design for Resilience in a New Federal Landscape, you’ll find:
- A clear summary of the current federal pullback and what it means for states.
- A practical framework any state can use to redesign around new realities.
- Concrete examples of how capital, data, and governance can be restructured.
- Guidance on building cross-sector coalitions that act, not just convene.
- First-step actions for leaders who need to move quickly.
This is not a call for more statements. It is a plan for building what comes next.
Invite Taqee to speak with your leadership team, board, or coalition.
Taqee Khaled, COO of Imagine Deliver and author of “The Independent State,” works with state, regional, and institutional leaders who need:
- A clear briefing on the new federal landscape.
- A practical framework for redesigning state resilience.
- A working session that turns concern into a concrete roadmap.
Format options include keynotes, executive briefings, and closed-door strategy sessions tailored to your state or region.
For Media and Interviews
Journalists, editors, and producers need guests who can connect policy, capital, and real-world impact in plain language.
Taqee is available for:
- Media interviews on the changing federal–state landscape.
- Commentary on state-level resilience and redesign.
- Insights on cross-sector models that move beyond “stopgap” responses.
Connect With Other Leaders Exploring the Independent State Model
We are building a national network of leaders who are actively using or exploring the Independent State framework in their states.
Join to:
- Learn how other states are responding to the new federal reality.
- Share tools, data, and early prototypes.
- Explore opportunities for interstate collaboration and shared infrastructure.
Ready to move from reaction to redesign?
Start with the Action Guide.
Bring the model to your state.
Connect with peers who refuse to wait and see.
Reach out to Imagine Deliver with questions or for more information.
Connect with Imagine Deliver on LinkedIn.
Collaborative. Creative. Committed to solutions that last
Our team spans a wide range of skills and experiences, all united by a commitment to the human experience, exceptional quality, and building bold solutions designed to last.
We deliver strategies and solutions that move from insight to action. Our work combines proven frameworks with creative problem-solving and openness to new approaches, bringing together the voices that matter, especially those closest to the challenge.
We create space where people tap into their creative genius and turn fresh, practical ideas into reality, all while making collaboration energizing and joyful. Because when the work is hard, who you work with makes all the difference.
Discover success stories about our impact across healthcare, philanthropy, government, community development, and beyond.
At Imagine Deliver, our consulting practice is rooted in Considerate Design,™ a commitment to embedding real-world insight directly into strategy and design. This approach moves us beyond traditional consulting by making the process more collaborative, more innovative, and ultimately more effective in delivering lasting solutions.
