The New York Chapter is moving into this season with strong momentum across multiple fronts. This year’s state budget delivered meaningful progress on key priorities, including increased support for local governments, continued investment in clean water infrastructure, recognition of EMS as an essential service, and expanded efforts to improve access to childcare. While several priorities remain ongoing, the outcomes reflect steady progress driven by coordinated advocacy across the chapter. LPNY members also showed up at the national convening in Baltimore, where NY members connected with peers from across the country, shared strategies, and brought fresh energy back home.
Now, the chapter is turning toward upcoming socials across the state, spaces to reconnect, build relationships, and strengthen our organizing community. More details on what’s ahead, and how to plug in, below!
🤝 Our First Meet-up of the Year in Dutchess County! Â
Local Progress New York hosted its first regional meet-up of the year in Dutchess County, bringing together 12 local elected officials for an evening of connection and strategy. Hosted by LPNY Organizing Committee Co-Chairs Dan Aymar-Blair and Michele Hirsch in Poughkeepsie, the gathering also included partners from Hudson Valley Community Voices Action (CVH Action), the Dutchess County Central Labor Council, and Dutchess Community College. Leaders built relationships, reflected on the current political moment, and shared insights from their work in office and across the LP network, strengthening regional ties and momentum across the Hudson Valley. We’re looking ahead to our next gathering in Orange County this August.
Local Progress NY will host a series of meet-ups across the state to connect members, partners, allies, and supporters around the issue priorities our Chapter has been working on. This is an opportunity to build new connections, learn from each other, and plan to stay up to date and involved in the chapter’s efforts. Learn more down below!Â
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đź’° New York Secures Major State Budget Wins
The New York Chapter celebrated several important state-level victories this year following the passage of the FY 2026–27 state budget in late May. Members of the Organizing Committee, Dan Aymar-Blair, Alex Marion, and Michele Hirsch, among members of the NY Chapter, led in various sign-on efforts. Building on our advocacy priorities, the budget included the designation of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as an essential service, continued investments in clean water infrastructure, increased support for local governments (AIM Funding), and expanded funding for childcare programs, including a new partnership to advance universal childcare in New York City. While work remains to secure passage of priorities like the Bottle Bill, the Land Value Tax pilot, and the Universal Childcare Act, these budget wins reflect meaningful progress toward strengthening local communities and advancing the chapter’s shared policy agenda.
đź’« Strengthening Connections Between New York City and Puerto Rico
In June, LPNY hosted a meet-and-greet with our Puerto Rico partner organization, Movimiento Victoria Ciudadana (MVC). We were joined by Suheily Serrano Marrero, Local Progress’ first member from Puerto Rico, and welcomed by Local Progress Board Member Tiffany Cabán and Council member Alexa AvilĂ©s. The gathering sparked a rich conversation about strengthening the progressive movement, sharing lessons across geographies, and building power across Puerto Rico. Stay tuned; there’s more to come!
⚡ New York Leaders Shine at National Convening
The New York Chapter showed up in full force at this year’s National Convening in Baltimore, bringing together nearly 45 members and partners from across the state for a few days of connection, learning, and community. It was a powerful opportunity to share the work happening in New York, exchange strategies, and build momentum for the work ahead. From engaging workshops to inspiring cross-chapter conversations, members returned energized and proud of the collective impact being built both at home and across the broader network. Read the full recap in our blog here.
📍 Keep an Eye Out for Upcoming Events – LPNY Fall Regional Meet-Ups
We’re excited to bring Local Progress members and partners together across New York this spring for a series of regional gatherings focused on connection, strategy, and building power together. Join us in a region near you to meet fellow local leaders, share priorities, and strengthen our collective work. Our second meet-up of the year will be in Orange County on Friday, August 14!
Later in the year, we will be in Ulster in September. More details and RSVP information coming soon — we hope you’ll join us!
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🗓️ SAVE THE DATE: LPNY State Strategy Meeting – December 4-6, 2026Â
Join Local Progress NY, members, and partners from across the state for our annual statewide convening, December 4–6. Together, we’ll strengthen relationships, share local successes, align on key policy priorities, and prepare for the upcoming legislative and budget session. Stay tuned for more details; we look forward to building power together across the state.Â
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🗳️ Election Protection Webinar SeriesÂ
Throughout the summer, Local Progress Impact Lab will be launching a series of webinars to prepare the network to protect the 2026 midterms and ensure free and democratic elections in the face of authoritarian threats. Each call will feature guidance from expert partners on key election protection strategies and space for individualized technical assistance. Our first webinar is on Wednesday, August 12, 12pm ET/9am PT.
đź“„ You Deserve to Feel Safe While Serving, Develop Your Personal Safety Plan Today!
Over the past two years, Local Progress Impact Lab (the Impact Lab) has been collaborating with Women’s Democracy Lab (WDL) to develop a set of resources for our Local Progress members. As local leaders, your communities are calling on you to take bold action and fearless leadership in this time of increasing authoritarianism. However, wielding your power can also put a target on your back. You and your loved ones deserve to feel safe while serving in elected office!Â
WDL has developed this personal safety plan, serving as a starting point for assessing your safety preparedness, identifying any potential gaps, and outlining your personal action plans. Download it, work your plan, consult your loved ones. We keep each other safe!
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đź’» No Buildout for Billionaires: A Local Guide to Stopping, Slowing, and Restricting Data Expansion
Big Tech is spending billions in its race to build data centers across the country – and local communities are paying the price. From strained water and energy resources to spiked utility bills and drained public budgets, the costs fall on working people while corporations pocket the profits.Â
But local governments have real power to fight back. Whether you’re getting ahead of proposed data centers, updating existing laws, or mitigating the impacts of harmful data centers in your community, you’ll leave with tools to strengthen public participation, build community power, and ensure decisions about land, water, air, and technology benefit people, not corporations. Check out our guide to stopping, slowing, and restricting data center expansion.
đź’¬ Want to Get More Involved? Let’s Connect!
As your New York Chapter manager, I oversee Local Progress organizing across New York and would love to connect with you. Whether you’re looking to deepen your engagement, explore leadership opportunities, connect with peers, or access support for your work, we’re here to help point you in the right direction. Reach out to schedule a conversation and learn more about getting involved. Schedule a quick check-in with me!Â
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đź“Ł Join the LPNY Organizing Committee
Sign up for the LPNY Organizing Committee to help shape priorities, plan events, and advance policy campaigns. Explore resources, connect with peers across the network, and invite colleagues to join to strengthen Local Progress New York.
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▶️ Pay It Forward! Recruit a New Member Today!
With more than 550 members and partners from 41 states, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, the 2026 national convening in Baltimore is now in the record books as our largest gathering to date! During the convening, we learned new strategies, shared new resources, and strengthened our bonds and community. As many of you have shared, this network is your political home, where you find the strength and courage to be bold and brave, particularly in this moment! Now, we are asking you to pay it forward! Recruit a member today by sharing the join us form. For movement and labor partners, we’ve also developed this guide to support connecting the pipeline from campaign to governance!
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🏡 Your One Stop for Caucuses
Trying to remember when the next Pride Caucus General meeting is? Want to join the Black Caucus signal group chat? Or find your caucus playlist? Look no further! Your one-stop shop for all things caucus is right here!Â
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âť“ Need Support? Contact the Help Desk
Have a policy, strategy, or communications question? The Local Progress Impact Lab Help Desk is here to help. Through the Help Desk, members can access policy research, strategic guidance, communications support, connections to fellow Local Progress members, and expertise from trusted partner organizations. Simply email your question and timeline, and an Impact Lab team member will follow up with resources, recommendations, and next steps tailored to your needs.
✨ Meet Onondaga County Legislator Elaine Denton!
Elaine Denton is an Onondaga County legislator and former Manlius Town Board member committed to building more transparent, accountable, and community-driven local government. After becoming politically active following the 2016 election, she turned her background in small business design into advocacy for social and environmental justice before running for office. A longtime Local Progress member, Elaine values the organization’s network of local leaders and collaborative learning opportunities. As her county tackles challenges like the housing crisis and federal funding cuts, she is focused on bringing together government, experts, and residents to develop creative, community-centered solutions.
🌳 Fun Fact about Fayetteville in Onondaga County: It is home to the Matilda Joslyn Gage Home and Green Lakes State Park, known for its rare glacial meromictic lakes and rich history of social justice and natural beauty.
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