Policy Memo
Our Vision and Work
Local governments have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform local infrastructure and advance racial, economic, and climate justice. Over the past several years, the federal government has appropriated historic sums of money for local governments. Leaders across the Local Progress network seized American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as well as State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for programs informed by the principles of advancing equity, reimaging public safety, and advancing workers rights. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science Act (CHIPS Act) of 2022 have also created another set of unique funding opportunities for local governments over the next several years.
The time for local governments to take advantage of these historic federal funding opportunities is now. Together, we can leverage federal funds to build sustainable energy infrastructure, advance public ownership, invest in underserved communities, and create good green jobs.
FEATURED RESOURCE:
Using Federal Funds for Racial & Economic Justice
The purpose of this memo is to equip local government leaders with policy and oversight tools to maximize the potential of these federal funds. Through local action, these federal funds can be a powerful force for advancing equity in our communities. This memo focuses in particular on:
- Environmental justice;
- Job quality and worker protections;
- Community engagement; and
- Public capacity building.
Resources
LP’s analysis of Treasury Compliance and Reporting
Blogs And Featured News
- News Article ▹
Local Progress Reacts to Lack of State and Local Funding in $484 Billion Coronavirus Aid Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC — In response to the announcement that the Senate unanimously approved a bipartisan deal for additional coronavirus aid.
- Climate Justice, Economic Justice, Leveraging Federal Resources
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Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for Local Leaders to Leverage Nearly Unlimited Federal Funds
We just released a new resource with our friends at the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center to help you take advantage of a once-in-a-generation federal funding opportunity!
- Abortion & Reproductive Rights, Economic Justice, Immigrant Justice, Leveraging Federal Resources
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Federal Advocacy Roundup | September 2023
The September 2023 Local Progress Federal Advocacy Roundup breaks down recent Biden administration decisions around TPS and Medicare as well as the upcoming impacts of Supreme Court decisions on student loan debt and abortion.
- Climate Justice, Economic Justice, Leveraging Federal Resources
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New Resource Helps Local Electeds Maximize Federal Funds for Equity
Our newly released memo shares tools and best practices to help local electeds maximize federal funding opportunities to advance equity.
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.
