With less than two weeks left in the year, we’re reflecting on what we’ve accomplished together and what lies ahead. Here’s a look at what’s been happening across the Local Progress network:
Localities Prepare for a Second Trump Administration
With Inauguration Day right around the corner, our incredible network of local elected officials are preparing to use local power to protect communities under the incoming administration. Cities and school districts like Los Angeles have implemented sanctuary city ordinances, which prohibit public resources from being utilized for immigration enforcement. Localities like St. Louis are creating municipal ID programs so all residents can access vital services. And many more are listening to what their communities say are the biggest priorities and concerns are. Local governments will be the first line of defense against authoritarianism; they have the power to protect communities and uphold democracy. Want to know how to best leverage your local power? Check out our toolkit for local elected officials here →
A Dozen NY Localities Have Successful Passed Good Cause
As the end of the year approaches, LPNY members are celebrating the success of their statewide campaign for Good Cause. Launched in coordination with Housing Justice for All, the campaign brought local elected officials and tenant leaders across New York together to push localities to opt in to new Good Cause eviction protections. To date, 12 upstate localities (Ithaca, Beacon, Albany, Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Newburgh, Hudson, New Paltz, Catskill, Nyack, Fishkill, and Rochester) have successfully passed Good Cause, expanding critical protections to over 150,000 renters statewide! Read more →
Why Localities Are Banning Rental Price Fixing
Landlords are using algorithmic rental price fixing, provided by platforms like RealPage, to collude to hike up rents so they can maximize their own profits. This means that while people are being forced to leave their communities because they can’t afford their increasing rent, corporations are just raking in more money. This year, local leaders across the country began banning the practice – helping make rents more affordable and keeping people in their homes. First was San Francisco, then Philadelphia. And even more cities are considering doing the same. Read the article here →
📣 Our Year in Review
This year has affirmed what we already knew to be true: local matters. That’s why, we’re proud to share our 2024 Year in Review. We will continue to not only reimagine a better future but prove that a multi-racial democracy is possible. Check out the report here →
⚡️ 2025 National Convening
We’re also excited to announce that our next national convening will be held on July 10 – 12 in Chicago! Stay tuned for more details and registration information! Add it to your calendar here
👋🏽 Recruit an LP Member Today!
We are stronger together and each new member fuels our collective courage in the fight for racial and economic justice. Know a badass that just won their election? Tell them to join LP! Have an elected ally that needs a community? Tell them to join LP! Know someone in office who’s hungry to do more? Tell them to join LP!
🏳️🌈 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!
