Economic Justice
Everyone deserves the opportunities, security, and community they need to thrive. At the local level, we can win safer workplaces, fair wages, & better benefits for all – helping to ensure our economy truly works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.

Our Vision and Work

We all work hard for our families, pitch in for our communities, and try to make things better for those to come. For too long, greedy corporations and the wealthy few rig the rules in their favor and line their pockets with profits while too many struggle to make ends meet. Together, we can build an economy where people matter more than profits and all of us can thrive. 

 

At Local Progress, we are fighting for an economy where working people have structural power in our government and the right to organize on their job sites. Across the country, local governments are working to protect people from exploitation and abuse, ensure community benefits are part of infrastructure investments, and boost the capacity of women and minority-owned businesses to thrive and grow in communities.

FEATURED RESOURCE:

The Role of Local Government in Protecting Workers’ Rights

In recent years, cities, counties, and other localities have become innovators and leaders in standing up for working people. This report provides an overview of some of the most noteworthy ways in which localities have taken action. 

Resources

Blogs And Featured News

Photo of a large group of people part of a UPS Teamster Practice Picket holding up signs that read "Photo of a group of UPS workers in uniform and holding up signs that say "UPS Teamsters: Just Practicing for a Just Contract" with Scabby in the background

What the UPS Contract Means for Collaborative Governance

UPS workers voted overwhelmingly in favor of a historic contract that will mean higher wages, better benefits, and more growth for 340,000 employees and that raised labor standards across the country. Here's what that means for how local electeds should collaboratively govern.
A delivery person rides an electric bike through the streets of Manhattan on Nov. 15, 2022.Photographer: Spencer Platt/Getty Images North America

Gig Worker Protections Find Testing Ground in NYC, Seattle

Delivery drivers and others in the app economy made major labor strides in 2023. LP's LiJia Gong explains why continued local efforts to protect gig workers are so critical.
Two construction workers wearing hard hats looking at a project and speaking with one another.

Newly Proposed Federal Rule Change Would Enable Local Governments to Further Invest in Good Jobs for their Communities

This week, nearly 40 local elected officials across the country showed their support for the newly proposed federal rule change in a letter to the Office of Management and Budget.

Black Local Electeds Urge Biden to Center Black Communities in EV Transition

In an open letter to President Biden, more than 60 Black local elected officials from across the country highlighted the need to center the reality of Black workers as the country rapidly transitions into the era of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing.

Want to Get More involved?

Check out our steering committees! Our work is member-led and our issue steering committees offer a big picture perspective on LP’s programmatic work.