A new toolkit outlines high priority local reforms to protect democracy during the pandemic. Experts predicted the 2020 general election would shatter voter turnout records. Now, with COVID-19, it’s clear the US electoral system is not prepared to support that unless we make it easier and safer to vote. In response to
“Transforming this system will not happen overnight. This is just the beginning -- but it will undoubtedly lead to long-lasting change.” MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Today, nine members of the Minneapolis City Council formally announced their intention to end the Minneapolis Police Department and create a new transformative model for cultivating public safety. In response, Local
For Immediate Release: June 2, 2020 WASHINGTON, DC -- In response to President Trump’s remarks threatening to deploy the US military in cities and states, Local Progress released the following statement: “It is clear that the President of the United States is blatantly overstepping his authority and disregarding the systemic issues at the center of
For Immediate Release: April 30, 2020 Local Leaders to Congress: Credit Cards Aren't a Housing Strategy Denver, Seattle, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Louisville, Philadelphia, Hartford, San Francisco NATIONWIDE -- Today, local elected officials from cities across the country escalated their call on state and federal officials to act immediately to provide relief and protection to the
A new report released by Freedom to Thrive Oak Park and Local Progress highlights the need to reimagine budgeting in Oak Park amid the coronavirus crisis. The report showed that the village allocated 39.6% of its general fund expenditures to the police department while only five percent was dedicated to social services --
For Immediate Release: April 21, 2020 WASHINGTON, DC -- In response to the announcement that the Senate unanimously approved a bipartisan deal for additional coronavirus aid, Local Progress released the following statement: “This package is a half-measure that does little to bring communities the full relief they need. It ignores the direct aid that people
For Immediate Release: April 13, 2020 100+ Local and State Elected Officials Call on Congress and Federal Reserve for Financial Relief to All Cities, States, and Territories “In this critical moment, the federal government’s unique constitutional power of the purse is essential for ensuring our communities are able to survive and thrive.” NATIONWIDE -- State
March 12, 2020 As all of our communities deal with the spread of coronavirus, people will look to local governments for an efficient and bold response that protects the safety of all residents as well as the public health. We know full well that the inequities entrenched in our society are
In February 2020, Local Progress partnered with Megan Hester and Pamela D’Angela Martinez from NYU Metro Center on a culturally responsive curriculum workshop. The purpose was to provide school board members with knowledge and information about the importance of culturally responsive curriculum in schools and demonstrate how to assess their own schools. While
Block out your calendars. Get ready to bring the heat to your policies and governance. Because Local Progress is officially going to Tempe, Arizona on August 7-8 for our 2020 National Convening! We are so excited to head southwest to hold our ninth annual convening in close partnership with Local Progress members, community organizations, and