March 31, 2026

📬 LP Network Download | Stepping up to protect immigrant families | March 2026

Amid Federal Inaction, Localities are Stepping Up to Protect Their Communities

Last week, as Congress debated sending even more money to ICE and CBP, Local Progress members quickly mobilized to tell their federal representatives that they do NOT support this funding deal. After the House rejected the Senate’s proposal to fund DHS except for its immigration enforcement functions, the partial government shutdown continues. In the midst of inaction at the federal level, local governments are stepping up to protect immigrant families.

When the Tennessee state legislature voted to criminalize local officials for approving sanctuary policies, LP members like Nashville Metro Councilmember At-Large Delishia Porterfield and Nashville Metro Council Member Jeff Preptit used every tool at their disposal to fight back – ultimately winning a legal settlement to overrule this unconstitutional policy. Thanks to Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, both Seattle and King County passed emergency, one-year bans on new ICE detention centers. The Erie City Council, led by City Council President and LPPA Organizing Committee member Tyler Titus, passed a welcoming city ordinance that limits city officials’ and workers’ ability to collaborate with ICE. This barely scratches the surface of the incredible work our network is doing every day to protect and support our immigrant neighbors.

⚽ When FIFA Comes to Town, Our Communities Pay the Price

For the World Cup to live up to its name, the people who make our host cities what they are must be able to enjoy the game. That means housing and labor protections, rejecting ICE and increased surveillance, as well as making the games accessible to everyone. They are demanding that FIFA uphold its human rights commitments. Local Progress members from host cities across the country are demanding that FIFA uphold its human rights commitments. Check out the video featuring Philadelphia City Councilmember Nic O’Rourke, Philadelphia City Council Minority Leader Kendra Brooks, San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder, and King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda.

👂 The Preemption Download

In a media environment plagued by shrinking newsrooms and local TV stations bought up by misinformation machines, Local Progress is dedicated to elevating local stories from across the network. Preemption is far too often a topic that barely makes the front page, but with the “Preemption Download,” we can bring those stories to you directly.

Ep. 5: Managing State Directives with Summit County Commissioner Nina Waters
Ep. 6: An Organizer’s Perspective with Delhi Township Treasurer Tom Lenard

Since launching the first episode of our new audio series, we’ve heard from local officials across the network that these are the stories we need to be telling in this moment – how local leaders are resisting, fighting for their communities, and overcoming bad actors’ strategies to undermine local control.

🎤 Local Progress at SXSW

In the age of growing repression at the federal level, how can local leaders protect our most vulnerable communities? On March 18, Local Progress was proud to join artists, technology leaders, and other local officials from across the country in Austin at South by Southwest to answer that very question. Our panel, Defending Democracy: How Cities Rise Up When Feds Push Down, was a groundbreaking discussion among Local Progress members and staff on strategies and legislative solutions to growing federal attacks. Moderated by our very own Director of Membership and Organizing, Francesca Menes, we were honored to be joined by Minneapolis Council Member Jason Chavez, Philadelphia Council Member Kendra Brooks, and Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes. Watch the recording of the full panel!

**⚡2026 National Convening: Fearless Leadership * Joyful Liberation**

In the midst of relentless attacks on immigrants, Black and Brown folks, LGBTQ+ people, workers, and young people, localities are not only at the forefront but serve as the bedrock of transformative change. From July 9-11, we’re gathering in Baltimore to strategize toward this vision with a community of values-aligned peers and partners! Our three days together will include welcome and keynote plenaries, welcome orientations for new members, site visits, strategy sessions, receptions, and more! Most importantly, the Convening is a chance to be in and build community with each other. More than 200 people have registered and spots are filling up – check your email for your specific invite link and scholarship information to register today!