ABOUT THE LOCAL POLICY LAB

The Local Policy Lab (LPL) provides local governments expertise, support, and actionable policy approaches to promote and protect democracy, center justice and equity, and address climate-related challenges. 

We provide strategic support and a network of peers, as local policymakers craft effective solutions in their communities.  LPL also helps cities pilot innovative approaches , such as measures to strengthen civic participation, like citizen assemblies or participatory budgeting, and strategies to ensure that underrepresented communities have a voice in climate policy. 

Cities, Towns and Counties Face Significant Challenges. Local governments and policymakers are well positioned to drive significant improvements in the lives of their constituents. However, they face a host of challenges:

1. Crises on multiple fronts. An unequal and fragile economy, a changing climate and extreme weather events, a lack of affordable housing, and a bifurcated media - are exacerbating a growing political divide. 

2. Federal and state governments are not providing adequate solutions to pressing problems. To make positive change on significant issues faced by most Americans, legislative solutions and mandates are critical. However, developments at the federal level are unlikely to produce the more innovative solutions we need. Additionally, unprecedented partisanship and polarization make it more challenging to achieve concrete policy results at the state and federal level.

3. State action to curtail city powers. Local, constituent-focused policymakers frequently face well-organized and funded opposition. Numerous states have enacted preemption laws that foreclose local action on a host of issues.

Focus on Democracy and Climate 

Despite these challenges, local governments have an important role to play in addressing the critical issues of climate change and democratic erosion. These areas are both urgent and interdependent: an equitable and functioning democracy is a requisite for effectively tackling climate change. As climate disasters increase in frequency and severity, cities with proactive resilience policies can reduce long-term vulnerabilities while delivering near-term benefits. LPL helps cities engage residents in the creation and implementation of policies that tackle these issues, recognizing that the most effective solutions are those with extensive community buy-in.