Our Vision and Work
Local governments must be able to pass laws and set standards that reflect the unique needs of their communities.
But in many states, legislators are undermining local power by prohibiting – and in some cases, punishing – local governments from passing specific local policies. This type of abusive state preemption threatens local democracy and silences the voices of the people.
As a network of local elected officials, state interference impacts all the work we do. Instead of treating preemption in an issue silo, we weave proactive preemption analysis and strategy into all of our work. Our work in this area includes preemption analysis to inform local policy solutions and strategies, proactive strategies – including statewide campaigns, in anticipation of and response to abusive preemption.
FEATURED WORK:
LP Files Amicus Brief for HB 1 Lawsuit
House Bill 1 violates the Florida Constitution by unlawfully taking away power from local govs to respond to their communities’ needs and stand up for racial justice.
How? Check out the amicus brief we filed today signed by 45 LP members
Resources
Blogs And Featured News
- News Article ▹ March 23, 2021
Local Electeds Across Florida Push to Protect Local Democracy
Today, local elected officials across Florida sounded the alarm on the dangerous proposals being debated during this legislative session.
- Home Rule, Housing
- ▹ April 23, 2023
Attack on renter protection is another attack on local democracy
State Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis and Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla stress that preemption bills like HB 1417 just take power away from everyday Floridians.
- Home Rule
- ▹ April 17, 2023
State Interference Threatens Local Power, Safety, and Support
Dallas City Councilmember Adam Bazaldua details how TX HB 2127 would stifle local democracy and put workers' lives in danger.
- Home Rule
- ▹ April 10, 2023
Local Governments Advocate for Democracy in Tennessee
We stand in solidarity with Tennessee state representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson. We applaud the Nashville Council Members who upheld the will of their communities and voted in favor of reinstating them.
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.
