Here’s a look at what’s been happening across the Local Progress network:Â
Localities Respond to and Stand Ready for the New Administration
As we mark the first weeks of the new administration, localities are prepared and have already begun to respond to Trump’s attacks on immigrants, trans people, and other vulnerable communities. School board leaders – like dozens in California – have rebuked the administration’s new guidance on allowing immigration enforcement in or near schools. Electeds at all levels of governments have reaffirmed their commitment to protect all communities and advance equity through statements and op-ed’s, by reinforcing sanctuary city policies, and in rejecting attempts to connect local resources to the federal deportation machine. Local Progress & the Local Progress Impact Lab have numerous resources to support local electeds right now. Check them out here and here →
Seattle and Montgomery County Offer Models of Social Housing Principles in Action
For decades, real estate corporations have turned our basic need for shelter into a profit model. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can create housing for the public good — what many people call social housing. As explained in our new report, developed with Power Switch Action & PolicyLink, Seattle and Montgomery County offer two distinct case studies as to how recent emerging models can differ in their design and implementation reflect social housing principles. What are the principles of social housing, you ask? Find out in the report or watch the briefing for more details → Â
Los Angeles Electeds Step Up Amidst Devastating Fires
As Los Angeles continues to reel from and respond to the multiple wildfires that have destroyed cities and impacted more than 50,000 residents, local leaders have stepped up to meet the emerging needs of their communities. In addition to ensuring residents have the latest information and resources, LP members acted quickly to stop evictions and property speculation. City Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez and Hugo Soto-MartĂnez introduced a moratorium on evictions in homes where tenants have suffered economic or medical hardship as a result of the first, helping to prevent predatory rent increases and price-gouging by unscrupulous landlords. Read more here →Â
🧰 Communications Tools & Guides for Electeds
Interested in improving your communications skills, but not sure where to start? Need a quick brush up on interviewing best practices before an interview? Want to engage with your community on social media, but not sure what platform is best for you? Check out LP’s new Communications Tools & Guides! Have additional questions or need 1:1 comms support? Reach out to the Help Desk to get in touch with the LP communications team!
đź“– SEAP’s Local Budget Equity ConveningÂ
The Southern Economic Advancement Project and Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at The New School are looking for local government officials and staff with a commitment to advancing equity and community voice in their local budgets to participate in their Local Budget Equity Convening in Phoenix, AZ on March 12 – 14, 2025. If you are interested in participating (in-person, expenses-paid), please fill out this interest form by Friday, February 7.Â
đź’» Good Jobs First Webinar!
Webinar on Economic Development Transparency! Join Good Jobs First on Tuesday, February 25, 2 – 3pm ET for “Seeing is Engaging” to hear about best transparency practices from their study of over 200 small- and medium-sized cities’ economic development incentive programs. Learn how your locality can boost transparency and participation in the economic development process – including opportunities to sign up for technical assistance to design and implement essential policy reforms. Register here →Â
*💪🏽 Public School Strong Training Series
Our partners at HEAL Together have kicked off Solidarity 2025 – an eight-week training series designed to equip activist parents, educators, school board members, students, and allies to unite against the attacks on public education outlined in Project 2025. The training series is part of the Public School Strong campaign and is designed to empower participants to advocate for students, schools, and communities at local school boards and beyond. Participants will gain critical insights into federal policy proposals, actionable strategies for mobilizing around shared values, and tools like model policies, school board resolutions, and organizing lessons. Register here →Â
🦋 LP is Now on BlueSky!
As we continue to organize local leaders and allies across the progressive movement, we’re excited to expand our digital footprint. We’ll be sharing the same updates, news, and resources. Follow us at @localprogress.bsky.social! See you there →
⚡️ 2025 National Convening
ICYMI: Our next national convening will be held on July 10 – 12 in Chicago! We’ll be launching registration soon so keep an eye out for more details in the coming weeks. Add it to your calendar here →
