February 29, 2024

📬 LP Network Download | Police-free schools, protecting local democracy, veto overrides, choosing welcome, & more! | February 2024

Here’s a look at some of what’s happening across the Local Progress network.

Chicago School Board Votes to Remove Police From Schools

Children and young people deserve to have everything they need to grow and thrive. In an important step towards building real school safety and positive learning environments for young people, the Chicago School Board unanimously voted to eliminate all school police officers (often also referred to as school resource officers, or SROs) by the next academic year and create a more holistic, evidence-based approach to school safety that emphasizes restorative justice practices. The resolution will directly impact the 39 high schools that currently have a total of 57 SROs. The step was made possible thanks to years of youth-led community organizing and the leadership of LP member and Board President Jianan Shi and the entire school board. Read more →

The Fight for Local Democracy in Texas Continues

We all agree that effective local government is critical for building thriving communities. That’s why local leaders in Texas are not backing down in their fight to protect local democracy. Earlier this month, nearly 60 local electeds from across the state banded together to once again tell the courts that they will NOT stand for the Death Star Law or any of the Texas Legislature’s efforts to undermine local democracy. In an amicus brief filed on February 7, the group emphasized that, “In enacting HB 2127, the Legislature seeks to effectively repeal Texas cities’ constitutionally protected Home Rule authority and eviscerate localities’ ability to effectively govern on behalf of their constituents.” Read more →

Big Wins Across New York State

This month saw huge collective power across New York. In Albany, the Common Council – including LP members Gabriella Romero and Owusu Anane – continued to push for eviction protections for tenants across the state, unanimously passing a resolution this past week in support of statewide good cause eviction. It’s the latest action in a steady drumbeat of pressure and momentum towards statewide legislation. In New York City, the Progressive Caucus – led by LP members and Councilmembers Shahana Hanif and Sandy Nurse – overrode the mayor’s veto to end solitary confinement and bring much needed police transparency. As LP member and Councilmember Alexa Avilés said, “The How Many Stops Act is common sense legislation… Since we passed it last month, Mayor Adams and his allies have engaged in a shameless media frenzy of fear mongering, falsehoods, and deception. I’m grateful the Council saw through this spectacle and voted to override his veto”. Read more →

Choosing Welcome Means Protecting Asylum

Every day, local leaders and communities across the country are showing us what it means to welcome people with dignity. In response to the Senate’s proposed border deal that would gut asylum in exchange for foreign military spending, Local Progress released a statement denouncing it. Released earlier this month, the bill would strip that right from vulnerable people worldwide – sending a clear message that our federal government’s top priority is keeping people out, not keeping people safe. Read more →

📅 LP’s 2024 National Convening!

#LP2024 is on and you won’t want to miss it! This year, we’re headed to Oakland, CA on July 25 – 27. Registration is now open exclusively to LP Members & Alumni Leaders. You also get an early bird discount if you register before March 26. Invitations to register were sent to your email (reach out if you didn’t receive one). Scholarships are also available! Add it to your calendar: iCal | Google | Outlook

✔️ We’re Hiring!

The LP team is looking to hire a Colorado Coordinator. This is an exciting opportunity for an organizer with deep interest and burgeoning experience in municipal-level policy and campaigns. Learn more and apply here →

Are you an LP member with a question? Ask the Help Desk!

The Local Progress Impact Lab works with members on policy, strategy, and communications support related to our core issue areas and other topics, by sharing our own knowledge and resources, making connections to other Local Progress members, and drawing on the issue area expertise of partners. If you have a question, ask the helpdesk! Email helpdesk@localprogress.org.

🧰 Policy & Strategy Primer Series is BACK!

The Impact Lab’s Policy & Strategy Primers has a new schedule for 2024! This series of foundational learning sessions on policy tools and strategy is designed to help local electeds and staff figure out where and how to get started on key issues. Whether you’re recently elected or looking to build your knowledge in a specific area, each session will dig in on both policies and strategic approaches to help you use all your local levers to drive change. The series offers different sessions throughout the year focusing on issues related to housing, community safety, economic justice, and communications strategies. Sign up here →