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Speaker emeritus Rep. Melissa Hortman talks to colleagues during a special legislative session Monday, June 9, 2025 at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

Minnesota Local Leaders Mourn Politically Motivated Assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman

In response to the politically motivated assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, Local Progress released the following statement from the Local Progress Minnesota Organizing Committee.
Hundreds of protesters in Los Angeles gather to demand an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement workplace raids on June 8. Photo: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

Urgent Resources to Protect our Communities and Uphold Local Democracy

We are at an inflection point for our First Amendment right to protest, our freedoms, and our democracy. We must stand strong against fascism and authoritarianism.
Protesters wave multiple flags in front of members of the California national guard before a curfew takes effect in Los Angeles on 10 June 2025, following days of protests in response to federal immigration operations that saw clashes spread across downtown. Photograph: David Pashaee/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images

Statement: Local Leaders Must Stand Strong Against Fascism and Authoritarianism

In response to the Trump Administration’s violent immigration raids in California and increased militarization of our communities nationwide, Local Progress released the following statement.
Demonstrators protest outside the office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 16, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The demonstrators were protesting the revised travel ban that the first administration of President Donald Trump was trying to implement. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Statement: Local Electeds Stand with Immigrant Neighbors as Islamophobic and Xenophobic Travel Ban Set to Take Effect

In response to the Trump Administration’s unlawful, sweeping order banning travel from 12 countries and severely restricting travel from seven others, Local Progress released the following statement.
A black and white image of Trump with a yellow background.

Ivan Luevanos-Elms and Sarah Johnson: This Is What Authoritarian Intimidation Looks Like

In this op-ed, LP ED Ivan Luevanos-Elms and former LP ED Sarah Johnson make the case that Trump's attempts to bully and intimidate local leaders is yet another sign of growing authoritarianism.
Three of our LP members from Milwaukee posing for a photo together.

Change Starts At The Local Level

This past weekend, 50+ local electeds and partners convened in Milwaukee for our third-annual Leadership Collaborative!

📎 Federal Resource Round-Up

Important updates and opportunities to take action.
An image of someone using a phone and computer at the same time (d3sign via Getty Images)

Report: How local governments can prioritize responsible AI adoption

Earlier this month, OpenAI & Microsoft lobbyists called for a shutdown on AI regulation. Our new report details the harmful impacts of unrestricted AI on our communities and what local governments can do.
Image of a lot of people protesting and speaking out

State and local Dems form a firewall against Trump DOJ’s intimidation tactics

Across the country, the Trump administration is targeting local officials to bulldoze opposition to their agenda. Today, 190+ local officials stand in solidarity against this intimidation.
RealPage is contending with state and local efforts to outlaw algorithmic rent-pricing systems. Photo: Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg News

Rent-Setting Algorithms Find Legal Lifeline

RealPage stands to benefit as GOP tax bill seeks to bar state and local oversight of AI and automated decision systems for 10 years.
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LPPA State Download 🌸 | Bold Progressive Action across Pennsylvania! | May 2025

Local worker protections, increasing affordable housing and more!
A group of panelists speak

Local Progress Launches the Community Responder Cohort

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Local Progress is a movement of local elected officials advancing a racial and economic justice agenda through all levels of local government. We are elected leaders who build power with underrepresented communities and fight to reshape what is possible in our localities all across the country. 

Want to get in touch with us for a story? Reach us at press@localprogress.org.

In The News

At Local Progress, we seek to make the aspirational pragmatic by showing how government can be a tool to create just and equitable outcomes and reshaping peoples’ understanding of governing from an institution to a collective responsibility. Here are some highlights of our media coverage:

A black and white image of Trump with a yellow background.

Ivan Luevanos-Elms and Sarah Johnson: This Is What Authoritarian Intimidation Looks Like

In this op-ed, LP ED Ivan Luevanos-Elms and former LP ED Sarah Johnson make the case that Trump's attempts to bully and intimidate local leaders is yet another sign of growing authoritarianism.
An image of someone using a phone and computer at the same time (d3sign via Getty Images)

Report: How local governments can prioritize responsible AI adoption

Earlier this month, OpenAI & Microsoft lobbyists called for a shutdown on AI regulation. Our new report details the harmful impacts of unrestricted AI on our communities and what local governments can do.
Image of a lot of people protesting and speaking out

State and local Dems form a firewall against Trump DOJ’s intimidation tactics

Across the country, the Trump administration is targeting local officials to bulldoze opposition to their agenda. Today, 190+ local officials stand in solidarity against this intimidation.
RealPage is contending with state and local efforts to outlaw algorithmic rent-pricing systems. Photo: Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg News

Rent-Setting Algorithms Find Legal Lifeline

RealPage stands to benefit as GOP tax bill seeks to bar state and local oversight of AI and automated decision systems for 10 years.

press Releases

A group of local elected officials holding a letter in the Colorado state capitol

LP Members & Union Leaders Call To Overturn WPA Veto

Municipal Officials join labor leaders to call out the Governor for rejecting this Common-Sense legislation
An image of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

Statement: National Network of Local Officials Denounce Unjustified Arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

In response to the reported arrest and subsequent release of Newark Mayor and Local Progress member Ras Baraka, Essex County Commissioner and Local Progress Board Member A’Dorian Murray-Thomas released the following statement. 
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty who was sworn into office on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 speaking at the All Square restaurant in Minneapolis on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 where supporters gathered to celebrate her election. Mshale Staff Photo by Panashe Matemba-Mutasa

Statement: Amid Federal Threats, Local Leaders Stand Strong for True Civil Rights

In response to the Trump Administration’s so-called “civil rights” investigation into Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty’s Office, Local Progress released this statement.
A large group standing around while one person speaks at a podium.

Road To Good Cause Campaign Scores 11 Victories Across Upstate New York

The coordinated campaign of local officials expand critical renter protections to thousands of tenants, setting their sights on Rochester next.

NEW REPORT: How Local Government Can Stand Up for Workers When States Try to Stand in Their Way

This new report for Labor Day 2024 highlights ways local elected officials can advance workers rights even when facing both hostile state preemption and federal labor law preemption.