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
Policy Memo
Cash for Communities: Leveraging Historic Federal Funds for Racial, Economic, and Climate Justice
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, Housing, Leveraging Federal Resources
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How Saint Paul, MN is leveraging federal funds for justice
Saint Paul is leveraging federal funds for environmental benefits, affordable housing, and good green jobs. Find out how in our new case study!
- Leveraging Federal Resources
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I’m the Mayor of St. Paul. Here’s How Our City Is Erasing $100 Million in Medical Debt.
More and more local governments are using federal funds to relieve residents’ medical debt. Mayor of Saint Paul Melvin Carter explains why it's a simple, straightforward way to meet our communities’ needs.
- 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!
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.
