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“It’s the Past We Step Into and How We Repair It”

Racial equity is a core value that drives our work as an organization and is at the center of how Local Progress members govern and support communities.

Local Leaders React to State’s Failure in Winter Storm Response and Widespread Power Outages in Texas

“This is what happens when the state gives up its responsibility to corporations — and without care or accountability to the communities most impacted.”

Holding space for yesterday and how we move forward together

In the hours, days, and weeks ahead, it will take all of us to chart a new way forward..

2020 Year in Review

As a network, we have grown and our collective work has helped push the progressive policies..

Local Progress Announces New Board Leadership

Councilmember Casar is a native Texan, the son of Mexican immigrants, a community organizer, and an Austin City Council Member..

Progressive Governance Academy Hosts Southern Regional Training Series

The Progressive Governance Academy (PGA) is a newly-launched pilot project between Local Progress

Progressive Governance Academy Kicks off in Connecticut with First Virtual Training Series

Despite the pandemic and communities working to eliminate racial injustices, the Progressive Governance Academy (PGA) is navigating this new normal to support our elected officials around the country.

Trump’s Surge of Federal Police in Cities is Dangerously Authoritarian. We Won’t Stand For It.

WASHINGTON, DC — In response to President Trump’s announced intent to deploy federal law enforcement from the Department of Homeland Security.

How Local Elected Leaders Can Make it Easier and Safer to Vote During COVID-19

A new toolkit outlines high-priority local reforms to protect democracy during the pandemic.

The cities that are already defunding the police

In the aftermath of the protests over the killing of George Floyd, city leaders are calling to cut law enforcement budgets or reallocate funds in at least 19 U.S. cities, according to Local Progress, which pushes for racial and economic justice and is tracking the issue in real-time.

The Cities Taking Up Calls to Defund the Police

Minneapolis councilmembers took a remarkable step in pledging to reimagine public safety. Other cities are heeding demands to reduce police resources.

Minneapolis lawmakers vow to disband police department in historic move

City council members declare intent to ‘abolish’ embattled agency and replace with alternative model in wake of George Floyd’s killing.

Have a Media Inquiry?

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:

Photograph of the San Fransisco skyline. Photograph Source: Raydann

Social Housing Emerging in Cities Needs Local Govt Support

Local Progress founding board chair Nick Licata makes the case for local governments to support social housing.
Advocates demonstrate outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on April 22, 2024, during oral arguments for the Grants Pass homelessness case. Aparna Raj/ Local Progress/Handout via Thomson Reuters Foundation

Ahead of Trump term, U.S. cities grapple with homelessness

While the Trump administration plans to accelerate encampment sweeps, cities are ready to support people experiencing homelessness with dignity. LP leaders make the case for housing over jail time or fines.
Gayle McLaughlin speaking at a podium.

Left Politics in California: An Interview with Gayle McLaughlin

An interview with Richmond City Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin about her work to hold polluters accountable.
Photograph of Kristerfer Burnett speaking a podium.

Opinion: The Right to Privacy: A Call for Accountability in Baltimore’s Surveillance Practices

Baltimore must act now to create a system that prioritizes equity and transparency over control, writes LP Board Member and Baltimore City Councilmember Kristerfer Burnett.

press Releases

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.

How Localities Use Community Responder Programs to Keep People Safe

This new video from Local Progress and Local Progress Impact Lab focuses on three specific localities: Durham, Oakland, and Albuquerque to explain what community responder programs are, how they work, and why hundreds of localities are starting to adopt them.

After Grants Pass: organizing to house all our neighbors

In response to the Supreme Court's cruel decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, we will continue to organize for housing for all.

Local Progress Condemns Cruel Supreme Court Decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, Local Progress put out the following statement.