ProGov21

Are you a policy wonk, researcher, elected official, or local advocate interested in enacting lasting social change? Sign up for the ProGov Post, the premier newsletter delivering progressive local policy straight to your inbox! Every month we'll cover a different policy area, featuring innovative policy roadmaps, ordinances, ballot measures, case studies, fact sheets, and other resources for building an equitable, democratic society. ?? https://bit.ly/progovpost ?? #localgovernment #progressive #policyresearch #policymaking #equity #sustainability #democracy #policylibrary

??? ?? There's just five weeks left to obligate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds! The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Biden in spring 2021, was designed to provide direct funding to cities, towns, and villages to help them respond to and recover from the impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic. Since that time, cities have responded to this unprecedented direct funding with a slew of innovative programs designed to invest in long term resilience and to support sectors and communities particularly impacted by the pandemic. Our latest feature highlights some of the most innovative uses of ARPA funding, including the expansion of affordable housing, investments in digital equity, and workforce training. We encourage communities with remaining ARPA funds to obligate and expend this money quickly. Read a recap of some of the most innovative ARPA investments to celebrate or steal today: https://bit.ly/3CBR9AB!

This month ProGov21 is covering #transportation & #mobility! ???? Many Americans lack access to reliable, safe, accessible transportation. November's model ordinance, featured policy, and updated transportation roadmap provide best practices for progressive transportation policy designed to increase accessibility, grow the local economy, minimize costs, and improve sustainability. Model Ordinance: Transit-oriented development incentives must be extended equitably to ensure that good quality jobs and affordable housing communities have close access to transit services. In 2022, the City of Chicago adopted their Connected Communities Ordinance to support equitable development near public transit. Check out the model ordinance here → https://lnkd.in/g3YiYVKD. Featured Policy: Transit agencies looking to build equitable systems should contract with community-based organizations to improve the quality of their research and engagement. The LA Metro achieved this through their CBO Partnering Strategy and Equity Platform, elevating community engagement and equity. This month, ProGov21 is featuring TransitCenter’s report on partnerships with community-based organizations, demonstrating how these practices are vital for equitable transit. Read here → https://lnkd.in/gRuKpezr. Policy Roadmap: Our latest roadmap by Gianmarco Katz and Diana McFarland with support from State Smart Transportation Initiative provides best practices and policies for local governments to ensure access to reliable, safe transportation, including strategic budgeting to improve and maintain infrastructure, integrating land use and transportation planning, complete streets policies, and more. Read the full roadmap here → https://lnkd.in/g3wjKF_i.?

This month ProGov21 is covering #water! ?? Municipalities across the US are in dire need of updated infrastructure to ensure all residents have access to clean water. However, revamping water systems are expensive, and local governments must consider their most vulnerable residents when distributing costs. This month's featured policy, model ordinance, and policy roadmap provide strategies for keeping water systems safe and affordable. Featured Policy: Private water companies threaten access to sustainable and affordable water.?In the Public Interest’s 2024 report exposes the political and acquisition strategies of private water companies and lays the framework for policymakers and advocates to push back against these entities. Check out the full report here → https://lnkd.in/gxHxbRy9 to learn how local governments can fight against the privatization of water resources. Model Ordinance: It is vital that individuals have access to safe and non-hazardous water. In 2018, New York City Council passed a Building Water Management Law that requires building owners to provide tenants with water filtration methods certified to reduce lead concentrations, or take a sample annually from each fixture that supplies water for drinking or cooking purposes to be analyzed for lead, and provide the results of the test to the tenant. Check out the ordinance here → https://lnkd.in/g2937AFG. Policy Roadmap: This month's roadmap by Griffin Beronio and Diana McFarland provides strategies and best practices for local leaders to improve water infrastructure while ensuring that rates stay affordable, including customer assistance programs, stormwater management, and wastewater reclamation. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gfbcSCgX. Want more resources on water systems? Check out our library with thousands of documents from over 100 unique contributors: https://lnkd.in/e8SerQcE!

???? Tomorrow is National Public Lands Day! ???? Quality parks and greenspaces are essential for building a brighter, more sustainable future. Celebrate by exploring ProGov21's Land Use Roadmap. This guide dives into key concepts of public space management and land use policies that shape the availability and quality of our urban and suburban parks and greenspaces. Learn how you can support a high road future through better land use practices. ??? https://bit.ly/3XKWsWw #NationalPublicLandsDay #PublicSpaces #LandUse #ProGov21

Next week is #NationalWelcomingWeek, a time to celebrate the diversity of communities and commit to making cities safe, welcoming, and inclusive places where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Launched in 2012 by?Welcoming America, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all. To celebrate, we've published a new?Good Ideas for Cities ?? ?providing best practices for local governments on supporting and protecting immigrants. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gGfnYVpq!

NEW: ProGov21’s new Job Quality Policy Roadmap is out now! How can local government ensure high quality jobs and strong worker protections? We recommend responsible bidder ordinances, project labor agreements, and regional partnerships. Whether you’re a policymaker, a community member, or an advocacy organization, check out the full roadmap here → https://lnkd.in/d6cAZvU7?

In 2023 @City and County of Denver passed an ordinance that requires city contractors to pay prevailing wages by equating the rate that is commonly paid for similar work and projects. It mandates employers to provide their workers with fringe benefits such as paid vacation days, medical and dental insurance, and pension plans. Check out July’s model ordinance here to learn about how cities can create good quality jobs → https://lnkd.in/eXvZfgxC?

Holding corporations accountable for abuses of power begins with fact-finding. This month, ProGov21 is highlighting @GoodJobsFirst ‘s Dirt Diggers Digest Guide to Strategic Corporate Research. Click below to learn about what it takes to act as a watchdog for businesses and their impact on communities → https://lnkd.in/ejhRyfbs

NEW: ProGov21’s new roadmap on Work and Wages is out now! This June, we focused on how local policymakers can ensure that their workers receive a living wage and proper worker benefits. Whether you’re a policymaker, a concerned community member, or an advocacy organization, learn more about best practices and model policies here → https://lnkd.in/eYEWTVYw?