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Panelists ready to present at Netroots Nation 2022 session on HB1.

Netroots Nation 2022 – A Threat to Racial Justice: Criminalizing Protest and State Interference

At Netroots, we examined the troubling trend of attacks on democracy through a case study of HB1, which is currently facing a community-centered legal challenge on behalf of multiple Florida municipalities.
Woman wearing "Abort Abbott" mask.

How One Progressive City Is Fighting to Decriminalize Abortion

As part of a growing movement, municipalities like Austin are finding ways to protect their most vulnerable citizens in a post-Roe world.

Two New Brands. One Powerful Network.

Today, we are thrilled to share with you the launch of our new look! Here we share a bit of the history of how we got it and the process we took to create these two beautiful brands.

Colorado Progressives Celebrate Victories at National Conference in Denver

After two years of Zoom meetings, the return of the Local Progress convention to an in-person format was an opportunity for progressives such as Kniech to share what they've accomplished with people who'd flown in from across the country.
LPMN group photo

Minnesota becomes LP’s Fourth State Chapter

Local Progress Minnesota was officially certified as our fourth state chapter -- a statewide organization of Local Progress members with a formal leadership structure, a robust and representative membership, and typically a goal to raise money to hire staff capacity locally.

Local Governments Mobilize to Support Working Citizens

In recent years, a number of local governments have stepped up their programs to support workers, from enacting local minimum wage laws and pursuing wage theft to creating new offices to enforce labor laws.

The State Download: What LPNY Has Been Up To

Our Summer 2022 edition of our LPNY newsletter, which includes a summary of the state legislative session, info about some upcoming regional housing strategy sessions, and a spotlight of one of our LPNY members!
group of people standing outside holding

The State Download: What LPNC Has Been Up To

The Summer 2022 edition of our LPNC newsletter, which includes a summary of the state legislative session, information about some upcoming regional housing strategy sessions, and a spotlight of one of our LPNC members!

Local Progress Files Amicus Brief in Support of Cities Suing Florida’s HB 1

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. Check out the amicus brief we filed today signed by 45 Local Progress members.

Local Progress takes progressive reproductive freedom agenda to local leaders

“I would say that many people in Texas who have the ability to be pregnant are now at risk,” said Kara Sheehan, the Texas chapter manager of Local Progress. “We are looking to our local officials to lead."
photo of people outside, protesting and holding pro abortion signs

The Network Download: Localities fight for abortion rights, worker protections and just cities | July 2022

Here’s a look at some of what’s happening across the Local Progress network this month.

How Local Governments Are Advancing Workers’ Rights, and Why Even More Should Get Involved

Cities are spearheading efforts to pass and enforce local labor laws that are improving standards for workers in their communities.

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:

Portland Street Response crisis worker Angela Sands and EMT Kaya Ascott respond to a 911 call in Portland, Ore. (Kaia Sand)

This Organization Proved There Was an Alternative to the Police. Now It’s Being Defunded.

Portland, OR proved what we all know to be true: we keep us safe. LP's Reynold Graham talks to The Nation about Portland's program.
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.

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.