Here’s a look at some of what’s happening across the Local Progress network.
Localities Protect Tenants Against Rental Price-Fixing. Philadelphia Becomes Second City to Ban Algorithmic Software
Last week, Philadelphia became the second city in the country to ban the use of algorithmic rental price fixing. The ordinance was passed unanimously in an effort led by LP member and Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke, alongside housing advocates and community partners. RealPage & corporate landlords have been blatantly conspiring to hike up costs, often forcing renters out of their homes and even their neighborhoods.. Bans on rental price fixing are a clear and necessary way local governments can combat corporate greed and protect tenants in their communities. From San Francisco to Philadelphia to Chicago, LP members are taking action. Here’s what you can do →
Providence Takes Major Step to Prohibit Development of New Gas Stations
Earlier this month, in a major victory for local climate goals, the Providence City Council passed a new amendment to the city’s comprehensive plan to ban new gas stations. “We’ve been pretty clear about this as a municipality,” said LP member and Councilman John Goncalves, who sponsored the amendment. “We clearly have a climate crisis, and this is something that will mitigate that. As we think about alternative energies of the future, we have to be thinking about where we’re going.” If the prohibition goes into effect, Providence would be the first city in the state – and one of the first cities on the East Coast – to implement such a ban. Read more here →
Minneapolis Passes Encampment Removal Reporting Ordinance
After the Supreme Court’s decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, progressive leaders across the LP network are pursuing every avenue available to them to protect people experiencing homelessness. Minneapolis recently passed an ordinance – following the lead of New York City – that mandates the tracking of encampment evictions. Led by LP member and Councilmember Aurin Chowdhury, the policy seeks to provide a layer of oversight and transparency about what happens after people are removed from public spaces, how many are involuntarily hospitalized or incarcerated, and how much money the city is spending on the sweeps. Read more here →
In the Words of Local Leaders:
Every student in Pennsylvania deserves a free lunch by Norristown School Board President Christopher Jamarillo“ Having our students go hungry is not an inevitability but a deliberate policy choice by our state and one we can fix this legislative session. By creating a universal free lunch program, we can end the inhumane policy of school lunch debt, help our students succeed, and support some of the most vulnerable members of our school community.”
There’s a system failure in a key area of juvenile justice by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and Minneapolis Council President Elliott Payne. “We need out-of-home treatment options for young people found not competent to stand trial. We need to interrupt a cycle that leaves their needs unaddressed and leads to the repetition of high-risk behaviors.”
How the 2024 presidential election will shape U.S. immigration by Portland Councilmember At-Large Pious Ali“The outcome in November will have profound implications for the country and for states like Maine, where industries depend on immigrant labor.”
Other Exciting Wins:
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approves gender-inclusive language in county code. Read more →
Memphis Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas talks about her Driving Equality Ordinance to Save Black Lives. Listen here→
NYC Council passes bill for solar panels on public buildings. Read more →
📣 ARPA Deadline is Fast Approaching!
Leaders across the Local Progress network seized American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronaivrus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) for recovery programs informed by the principles of advancing equity, reimagining public safety and advancing worker’s rights. The deadline for local governments to obligate ARPA SLFRF funds is December 31, 2024. Remember, budgeting is not the same as obligating. For more information about what obligating means, check out this resource.
🚙 How Local Governments Can Promote Equitable Traffic Enforcement
We all deserve to be safe in our communities, on our roadways, and in transit. A new white paper from Local Progress Impact Lab and Local Solutions Support Center (LSSC) – titled Driving Toward Equitable Traffic Enforcement – offers local advocates and policymakers a roadmap for advancing traffic safety policies that promote driving equity – while highlighting preemption-related concerns to keep in mind. Check out the paper here →
⚡️ Apply to Be a Part of LP’s First Ever Comms Cohort
Are you a local elected official looking to hone your comms skills? Or a staffer without the time to dig into strategy? LP has the answer. We’re proud to announce the Comms Cohort! This course will help a small group of members navigate the complexities of our fast-paced media environment. We’ll cover everything from video strategy to proactive planning, ensuring you leave with the tools to be successful. Spots are limited, so get your application in today! Find out more and apply here →
🏳️🌈 Pride Caucus is Up Next!
We have heard a clear and consistent call among LGBTQ+ members to create a formal space within the network to support and build with one another. At our 2024 LP National Convening in Oakland, we joined over 40 of our members to start envisioning this new caucus space and we’re excited to build on that momentum with you all! Over the next several months, we want to hear directly from YOU on what you would like to see in the emerging Pride Caucus! During this formation stage, we’ll be gathering input about what you want to bring to the caucus, the specific challenges and barriers you face in elected office as a Queer person, and what tools, support systems, and resources have helped you while in office. We’re holding two listening sessions in Nov and December. If you’re a Queer LP member and want to get involved, check your email for info on how to attend the sessions or reach out to the LP team!
The vast majority of local elected officials are part-time, unpaid, or minimally compensated. And it can be difficult to find work that can sustain leaders alongside their elected roles. That’s why every month, we’ll be sharing jobs available across the movement:
- Deputy Executive Director | Job to Move America
- Legal Director | Home is here NOLA
Additional job boards: Dino DNA | Jeremiah Program | PolicyLink | Jobs That Are Left
