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

At the Mayors Innovation Project, our commitment to peer learning means offering avenues to share and replicate good ideas. The MIP Innovation Showcase is a lightning round session where mayors get three minutes to share a policy, program, or practice ?? that they have implemented or are working to implement. The Winter 2025 Showcase offered many great ideas for mayors to take home to their cities, from water affordability to zoning reform to new ways to inform and engage. Read on to learn more about the great ideas shared—and start implementing today → https://bit.ly/4l1GroE Photo credits ??: Jorge Amaya

Wealth inequality in the United States has reached unprecedented levels, leaving millions of Americans struggling to achieve economic stability, much less access economic mobility. With stagnant wages and rising costs, the American Dream is increasingly out of reach for many. To counteract these trends, cities across the country are exploring policies that embed wealth-building opportunities within local economies, ensuring shared prosperity and long-term community resilience. At the Mayors Innovation Project 2025 Winter Meeting, Mayor Kim Norton, Nairuti Shastry, Caprichia Smith Spellman, and Mayor Victoria Woodards convened to discuss strategies to advance local wealth and opportunity as part of our Advancing Local Wealth and Opportunity panel. Read the full feature for more on innovative workforce development and economic mobility efforts being deployed in City of Richmond, Virginia; City of Rochester, MN; and City of Tacoma, WA; along with an overview of the community wealth building framework and national examples thanks to our friends at The Democracy Collaborative: bit.ly/4io2lQW Photo credits ??: Jorge Amaya

Happy Women's History Month! This month we recognize the resilience, contributions, and achievements of women around the world. The Mayors Innovation Project is honored to work with incredible women mayors across the country through our Women Mayors Network. We are grateful for their leadership and all that they do to pave the way for more equitable cities and the next generation of leaders. In celebration of Women's History Month, we are honored to feature two history makers in our network: Mayor Kate Colin, the first woman mayor of San Rafael, CA, and Mayor Donya Sartor, PhD, the first Black woman mayor of City of Jonesboro GA. We asked them what being the first means to them and how they are supporting the rights of women and girls in their communities. Check out their responses here: bit.ly/43papfT

Calling all mayors! Are you ready to make your city’s streets safer, more vibrant, and equitable for all residents? Applications are now open for the third cohort of the Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety. This program offers expert guidance, peer learning opportunities, and practical tools to help you implement real change in your community. Don’t miss your chance to take the lead on pedestrian safety—applications close on February 28, 2025. Visit the Mayors Innovation Project website and apply today! https://bit.ly/MIPS2025 #PedestrianSafety #SaferStreets

There's just one week left to apply for our third cohort of the Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety (MIPS)! ?? ??♀? ???? MIPS is a partnership between the Mayors Innovation Project, AARP Livable Communities, and Smart Growth America aimed at supporting mayors dedicated to creating safe, vibrant, and equitable communities for people of all ages, incomes, and abilities. Selected mayors will receive tools and support to make immediate safety improvements on their most dangerous streets and learn from examples of longer-term, systemic changes that address the growing issue of traffic violence. Learn more and apply by Friday, February 28th! → bit.ly/MIPS2025

Happy Black History Month! At High Road Strategy Center, we celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans—past and present. Black History Month is a time to reflect on history, honor those who paved the way, and commit to advancing racial equity. As we celebrate, let’s also take action. This month, we encourage you to: ? Learn about the origins of Black History Month ? Support Black communities and businesses locally ? Advocate for policies that advance racial equity ?? Explore these resources: ?? Learning for Justice – Learn From & Honor Black History: https://lnkd.in/gsGPMkwq ?? ProGov21 Race & Social Equity Roadmap – Policy tools for local governments: https://lnkd.in/g39t24mh ?? High Road Strategy Center Race in the Heartland Report – Systemic racial disparities in the Midwest & solutions: https://lnkd.in/g6kYupA3 Let’s make this month about action, learning, and progress. #BlackHistoryMonth #RacialJustice #HighRoad

Join MIP and Inclusive Prosperity Capital at 12pm CT Monday, Feb. 10th to learn more about the Municipal Investment Fund, an opportunity from ICLEI and the Coalition for Green Capital! This opportunity aims to support public-private partnerships to accelerate clean energy projects. On our webinar, we’ll cover the basic elements of the application, allowable projects, and potential partners to enhance your application. We’ll also answer your questions and encourage a discussion of promising project types. Register today ?? https://bit.ly/4101G2m!

Today we commemorate #InternationalMigrantsDay and take a moment to recognize the contributions of immigrants and migrants in communities across the country. ?? Check out our Immigration roadmap ?? which provides best practices for local governments on welcoming and supporting the rights of immigrants. ?? https://lnkd.in/gWeis3tk And be sure to check out our policy library ?? which has hundreds of policy briefs and model ordinances on creating welcoming and inclusive cities where everyone is safe and has the opportunity to thrive. ?? https://lnkd.in/e8SerQcE

?Team Member Spotlight? Meet Lindsey Hess, CMP, a vital member of our team here at High Road Strategy Center!: ? - What brought you to the High Road Strategy Center? I joined High Road Strategy Center in April 2023 and was thrilled to be their event planner. In my past experiences, I have only planned events in Wisconsin.? So having the opportunity to plan events in other states has been exciting and has helped me learn and grow as an event planner. ? - What does the “High Road” mean to you? The “High Road” is where we can live in a safe and healthy environment and affordable cities. Giving everyone access to transportation, good jobs and healthcare. ? - What’s your favorite part about this job? Planning events! I received my Meeting Planners Certification in 2019. Being able to be part of Mayors Innovation Project and State Smart Transportation Initiative, helping them plan great events can be challenging, but always rewarding seeing the event come together. I also enjoy meeting new people and have met some great people across the country. ? ? - What’s something you’re passionate about? I have always had a passion for helping people. Whether it be helping plan an event, or helping a staff person with whatever they may need, to being a caretaker for an elderly gentleman. In my personal life and work life, I have always had the personality and drive for helping. ? - What are some of your favorite hobbies or interests outside of work? I love spending time with my husband, daughter, family and friends. We enjoy being outdoors, hiking, being on the water and traveling. I also enjoy dancing and teaching Zumba and Aqua Zumba. Zumba is my happy place! ... Working alongside you has been such a joy, Lindsey. Thanks for all you do! #HighRoad #MayorsInnovationProject #StateSmartTransportation #EmployeeAppreciation