Our Blog + Latest News

Immigrant Justice
▹ February 21, 2023

New Resource Helps Local Electeds Welcome and Support New Arrivals with Dignity

Our newly released resource aims to chronicle this roadmap – offering direction for local electeds to follow the lead of communities, and take on this shared responsibility to create a welcoming infrastructure.

Home Rule, Housing
▹ February 19, 2023

Florida legislature must stop interfering with local efforts to lower rents

In what has become an annual tradition, the Florida Legislature is poised to further restrict residents’ freedom to address issues affecting our local communities. In fact, they are taking a sledgehammer to local freedom amid the worst housing crisis in our lifetimes.

▹ February 6, 2023

Federal Advocacy Roundup | January 2023

Since our last Federal Advocacy Roundup in early December, we’ve seen the passage of an end-of-year appropriations bill, landmark announcements from the administration on protecting tenants and migrant workers, and more!

▹ February 3, 2023

The Network Download: Community-led safety, wage theft protections, and more | January 2023

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

Public Safety
▹ February 1, 2023

Localities must reimagine traffic safety. Here’s how.

Across the country, there is already work being done that reimagines traffic safety with the holistic understanding of what people need to move safely and freely within their neighborhoods and communities. This includes, among many things, removing police from traffic enforcement.

Public Safety
▹ January 25, 2023

Durham Needs a New Vision of Safety

Durham City Council members and LP members Javiera Caballero and Jillian Johnson call for a new approach to an old problem.

▹ January 22, 2023

Local governments can and must continue protecting and expanding abortion access. Here’s how.

Today, while we commemorate Roe, we also recommit ourselves to building a world where communities thrive, and people can exercise their full agency and live with dignity. Here’s what local elected officials can do.

▹ January 19, 2023

How Grant Makers Can Help State Policy Makers Advance Smart Approaches

As state legislative sessions ramp up, a new band of lawmakers begins the challenging work of delivering on campaign promises during a period of extreme division and threats to democratic institutions and office holders.

Economic Justice
▹ January 18, 2023

Workers’ Rights Local Government Round Up | Jan 2023

Check out some of the landmark workers’ rights policies that passed across the country over the last few months, as well as news of recent enforcement actions!

▹ January 11, 2023

The Fight for Progressive Power Starts in Local Communities

November’s election again proved what we already know: our ideas are popular and they are winning in localities across the country. But popular ideas and election wins alone will not transform how we govern.

▹ January 4, 2023

LP2023 is Happening Sept 6-9 in St. Louis!

We’ll be sending more information on registration, financial aid applications, and travel logistics in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, please save the date and get excited!

▹ December 23, 2022

The Network Download: ARP funds, housing work, our Year in Review, and more! | December 2022

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

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:

Public Safety
▹ May 1, 2023

How this election is putting real safety on the ballot in Texas

LP members Austin City Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes and San Antonio City Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez highlight the growing trend of community-driven ballot initiatives seeking to advance and invest in real safety across Texas.

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.

Public Safety
▹ April 11, 2023

The Accountant Who Wants to Take On the Police

How a new set of progressive controllers, including LA's Kenneth Mejia and NYC's Brad Lander are curtailing the cops, one spreadsheet at a time.

press Releases

Home Rule
▹ May 10, 2023

Florida Local Electeds Call on Governor DeSantis to Veto Harmful Preemption Bills

As Florida legislative session ends, Local Progress Florida speaks out against harmful state preemption bills SB 170 and HB 1417, and calls on DeSantis to veto them.

▹ May 5, 2023

Collective Courage is Contagious: A Message from ED Sarah Johnson

Executive Director Sarah Johnson shares the news that she'll be transitioning out of the team in the Fall and reflections on why this is the best job she's ever had.

Immigrant Justice
▹ May 3, 2023

LPNC Members Sign Letter Against Anti-Immigrant HB10

Local Progress members across North Carolina signed on to a letter calling for members of the General Assembly to defend immigrant rights.

▹ May 1, 2023

In Solidarity with Antioch Councilmembers Tamisha Torres-Walker & Monica Wilson

Housing
▹ April 14, 2023

Local Progress Members Submit Amicus Brief in Support of Housing First