Local Progress@LocalProgress

We are local elected officials fighting for racial and economic justice. We build power with community to reshape what's possible in our localities.

 Nationwide
localprogress.org/
Joined November 2012
School is back in session – and every student deserves to feel safe in their classroom. As a school board member, you have the power to keep ICE off campus and away from student data. Our No Secret Police toolkit shows how. Link in bio. 📚
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ICE wants your local police to do its dirty work. 287(g) Agreements, often voluntary unless your state law requires them, turn local cops into ICE agents, instilling terror in our communities. The good news: local electeds can stop it. 🚫 Link to the toolkit in our bio!
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Co-governance helps local electeds build power & uplift community voices. LP member Delishia Porterfield, TN Council Member, published an op-ed on co-governance's future as part of the "Case for Co-Governance" series with Race Forward & Partners for Dignity.
Cover of newspaper clipping of the op-ed with Delishia Porterfield

ALT Cover of newspaper clipping of the op-ed with Delishia Porterfield

Quote from the op-ed and to read the whole op-ed visit the bio

ALT Quote from the op-ed and to read the whole op-ed visit the bio

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Today's #NoSecretPolice policy win is from Lehigh County, PA! LPPA member County Executive Josh Siegel helped ban ICE from using county property for immigration enforcement. No county spaces to cover up secret police tactics. ‼️
Graphic flyer with Josh Siegel from Lehigh County, PA with a quote about ending ICE collaboration on county-owned property for immigration enforcement.

ALT Graphic flyer with Josh Siegel from Lehigh County, PA with a quote about ending ICE collaboration on county-owned property for immigration enforcement.

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It’s the National Week of Action Against Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), but for the #BraveofUs, every week is a chance to stop surveillance and protect residents’ safety and privacy. 🛑 Learn more about how you can cancel your ALPR contracts at the link in our bio.
Purple graphic stating local leaders are ditching their automated license plate reader contracts

ALT Purple graphic stating local leaders are ditching their automated license plate reader contracts

Graphic post stating ALPRs have become one of the most pervasive surveillance tools used by federal immigration enforcement agencies and local police to share data, stalk, and detain people.

ALT Graphic post stating ALPRs have become one of the most pervasive surveillance tools used by federal immigration enforcement agencies and local police to share data, stalk, and detain people.

Graphic post stating that local leaders have used their local power to protect their residents' safety and privacy by ending contracts and turning off systems.

ALT Graphic post stating that local leaders have used their local power to protect their residents' safety and privacy by ending contracts and turning off systems.

Graphic post showcasing the various headlines

ALT Graphic post showcasing the various headlines

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As ICE continues its silent rampage, it's #BraveOfUS to speak out. Lately, we’ve been featuring some of our powerful and brave first-generation immigrant members of LP 💖 Today, the inspiring @CelinaMtRainier!
A graphic spotlighting Mayor of Mount Rainer, MD Celina Benitez, featuring a hand-drawn image of her and a quote.

ALT A graphic spotlighting Mayor of Mount Rainer, MD Celina Benitez, featuring a hand-drawn image of her and a quote.

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Housing should be for people, not profit. That's why Local Progress Impact Lab is releasing a resource with Regional Housing Legal Services on bold tactics local elected officials in Pennsylvania can take to bring down the cost of housing in their communities.
Graphic displaying large text saying, "HOUSING SHOULD BE FOR PEOPLE, NOT PROFIT" directing viewers to a new toolkit for local elected officials in PA.

ALT Graphic displaying large text saying, "HOUSING SHOULD BE FOR PEOPLE, NOT PROFIT" directing viewers to a new toolkit for local elected officials in PA.

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DHS calls it "market research" – we call it just another trick up their sleeve to secretly dilute our local power while they continue to detain our neighbors in deplorable conditions. 📣Local leaders say NO.
Yellow graphic with bolded letters saying local leaders say no

ALT Yellow graphic with bolded letters saying local leaders say no

Various news clippings from The News Tribune

ALT Various news clippings from The News Tribune

News clippings indicating the dilution of local power.

ALT News clippings indicating the dilution of local power.

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Essex County, NJ, banned county collaboration with ICE and the use of county property for immigration enforcement. ‼️ S/O to County Commissioner VP A'Dorian Murray-Thomas, who led the fight – and won. Check out the #NoSecretPolice toolkit at the link in our bio!
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From Milwaukee to Portland, San Diego to El Paso, and many other localities — LP's Immigrant Justice Steering Committee is a diverse group of local leaders, all fighting the same battle for immigrant families. And they're not backing down. #BraveOfUs
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As ICE’s “silent surge” continues, it’s #BraveOfUS to speak out. Lately, we’ve been featuring some of our powerful and brave first-generation immigrant members of LP 💖 Today, the inspiring Portland City Councilor @pnwpolicyangel!
A graphic spotlighting Angelita Morillo from Portland, OR featuring a quote and a hand-drawn image of her.

ALT A graphic spotlighting Angelita Morillo from Portland, OR featuring a quote and a hand-drawn image of her.

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An upcoming federal court case could force MASSIVE energy rate hikes onto the people of Puerto Rico. All to enrich greedy bondholders like GoldenTree. 200+ elected officials just filed an amicus brief calling for people over profits ‼️
A graphic highlighting a newly filed amicus brief in support of the people of Puerto Rico

ALT A graphic highlighting a newly filed amicus brief in support of the people of Puerto Rico

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On our last day together, we reminded ourselves that first and foremost we are ORGANIZERS. We govern with our communities. We lead with our neighbors. We rise by lifting up those around us.
A cohort of Local Progress school board members posing for a group photo.

ALT A cohort of Local Progress school board members posing for a group photo.

LP Convening attendee smiling while having a conversation in a crowded room.

ALT LP Convening attendee smiling while having a conversation in a crowded room.

A group of attendees giving a standing ovation in a large conference room.

ALT A group of attendees giving a standing ovation in a large conference room.

A Baltimore City Councilmember speaking in front of a camera.

ALT A Baltimore City Councilmember speaking in front of a camera.

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From strategy sessions and community building, to site visits and state chapter meetups -- our first two days were jam packed! We grounded ourselves in place in Baltimore, learned from one another, nerded out, and made commitments to take back to our communities.
A group photo of LP's ED Ivan with two members of Local Progress.

ALT A group photo of LP's ED Ivan with two members of Local Progress.

A group photo of LP National Convening attendees at a site visit outside in Baltimore.

ALT A group photo of LP National Convening attendees at a site visit outside in Baltimore.

A black and white photo of a meeting room with folks around a table looking at slides.

ALT A black and white photo of a meeting room with folks around a table looking at slides.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott speaking at a podium.

ALT Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott speaking at a podium.

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Our theme this year was "Fearless Leadership. Joyful Liberation." 🌼 As the Trump Admin continues to terrorize our communities, it is more important now than ever to govern boldly -- constantly building towards our ultimate goal of true liberation for all.
LP's executive director Ivan Luevanos-Elms speaking at a podium.

ALT LP's executive director Ivan Luevanos-Elms speaking at a podium.

A black and white photo featuring the LP 2026 convening logo: Fearless leadership joyful liberation

ALT A black and white photo featuring the LP 2026 convening logo: Fearless leadership joyful liberation

Two attendees at the LP National Convening conversing with one another over lunch in a crowded room.

ALT Two attendees at the LP National Convening conversing with one another over lunch in a crowded room.

Three LP National Convening attendees posing for a photo in a breakout room.

ALT Three LP National Convening attendees posing for a photo in a breakout room.

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This past weekend, we held our ⚡️2026 LP National Convening ⚡️ in Baltimore! We hosted 500+ local leaders and partners for an amazing 3 days of connection, learning, and rejuvenation. Our time together left us basking in hope, joy, and gratitude 💖
Group photo of attendees at Local Progress 2026 National Convening

ALT Group photo of attendees at Local Progress 2026 National Convening

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While the Supreme Court seeks to ostracize young trans people from our society, the Pride Caucus has one simple message to the trans youth in our communities. You are valued, you are worthy, and you are not alone in this fight.
The image is a statement from Local Progress Pride Caucus with a gradient border. It expresses disappointment over a recent decision affecting trans youth, emphasizing the impact on education and belonging. It reassures that young people are valued and not alone, and reaffirms the commitment to dignity, respect, and humanity.

ALT The image is a statement from Local Progress Pride Caucus with a gradient border. It expresses disappointment over a recent decision affecting trans youth, emphasizing the impact on education and belonging. It reassures that young people are valued and not alone, and reaffirms the commitment to dignity, respect, and humanity.

A statement from Local Progress Pride Caucus about LGBTQIA+ communities is shown. It emphasizes working with local leaders to protect rights, acknowledging the past struggles and dedication to progress. It stresses the importance of community support, empowerment, and authentic living, while expressing a resilient resolve amidst grief. The background is a gradient transitioning from pink to purple.

ALT A statement from Local Progress Pride Caucus about LGBTQIA+ communities is shown. It emphasizes working with local leaders to protect rights, acknowledging the past struggles and dedication to progress. It stresses the importance of community support, empowerment, and authentic living, while expressing a resilient resolve amidst grief. The background is a gradient transitioning from pink to purple.

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Today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of upholding Birthright Citizenship. While this is a welcome victory, this Court continues to allow the Trump administration to chip away at immigrant rights in this country. Read our statement 👇 bit.ly/4oT6mRL
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LP's Black and Nuestro Caucuses condemn SCOTUS's ruling to strip thousands of TPS holders of their legal protections. Regardless of this failure, our network's commitment to ensuring our communities are welcoming havens where every resident can live with dignity will remain.
The image is a digital graphic with two "Local Progress" logos at the top, featuring the phrases "Nuestro Caucus" and "Black Caucus." Below is a statement criticizing a Supreme Court decision on Temporary Protected Status (TPS), describing it as a moral failure that threatens thousands of lives and community safety. The text highlights the impact on Haitian, Syrian, Salvadoran, Honduran, and Venezuelan communities, who face instability due to the decision.

ALT The image is a digital graphic with two "Local Progress" logos at the top, featuring the phrases "Nuestro Caucus" and "Black Caucus." Below is a statement criticizing a Supreme Court decision on Temporary Protected Status (TPS), describing it as a moral failure that threatens thousands of lives and community safety. The text highlights the impact on Haitian, Syrian, Salvadoran, Honduran, and Venezuelan communities, who face instability due to the decision.

The image features a statement from Local Progress, including the Nuestro Caucus and Black Caucus. The text criticized a court ruling on TPS, calling it racist and urging leaders to support immigrant communities. It highlights solidarity with TPS holders and calls for legislative actions for citizenship pathways. Logos for both the Nuestro Caucus and Black Caucus of Local Progress are displayed at the top. The background features a pink to purple gradient.

ALT The image features a statement from Local Progress, including the Nuestro Caucus and Black Caucus. The text criticized a court ruling on TPS, calling it racist and urging leaders to support immigrant communities. It highlights solidarity with TPS holders and calls for legislative actions for citizenship pathways. Logos for both the Nuestro Caucus and Black Caucus of Local Progress are displayed at the top. The background features a pink to purple gradient.
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It’s #BraveOfUS to show up for our neighbors. Lately, we’ve been featuring some of our inspiring, powerful, and brave first-generation immigrant members of LP 💖 Today, our amazing Immigrant Justice Steering Committee member Portland City Councilor @Piousali!
A graphic displaying a hand-drawn image of Pious Ali with a quote.

ALT A graphic displaying a hand-drawn image of Pious Ali with a quote.

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Is your community interested in creating an alternative to traditional police response? Hear from one of our LPMI Members, Amber Fellows, on how LP helped her kick off her own community responder program in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
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Just a few weeks back, we were proud to host the "Local Power, Shared Futures: Preemption & Home Rule Strategy Summit" alongside @The_LSSC in Nashville! This gathering was years in the making and an incredible opportunity to bring together a movement ready to fight preemption.
A colorful booklet for the LP preemption convening

ALT A colorful booklet for the LP preemption convening

A small group photo

ALT A small group photo

Two people standing on a stage with a mic

ALT Two people standing on a stage with a mic

People sitting at a table taking notes

ALT People sitting at a table taking notes

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Members from Minneapolis, DC, and beyond convened in LA to share lessons learned and strategies for resistance. Together, we all helped chart a new path forward for local leaders in the face of growing oppression.
An outdoor gathering on a rooftop in LA during the Federal Deployments Convening.

ALT An outdoor gathering on a rooftop in LA during the Federal Deployments Convening.

Members and partners taking a selfie in front of a long table with microphones.

ALT Members and partners taking a selfie in front of a long table with microphones.

Participants sitting at a table in a conference room listening and smiling.

ALT Participants sitting at a table in a conference room listening and smiling.

Participants clapping enthusiastically in a conference room.

ALT Participants clapping enthusiastically in a conference room.

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The Trump Admin’s federal deployments have been devastating for communities nationwide. But each response points to a model of care where neighbors, local governments, & school districts mobilize to keep each other safe. Last week, we learned from those on the front lines.
Group photograph of attendees at the Federal Deployments Convening in LA. Participants are lined up outside.

ALT Group photograph of attendees at the Federal Deployments Convening in LA. Participants are lined up outside.

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Across the country, the world’s largest corporations are pushing to build massive data centers, promising benefits such as tax revenue and jobs. But while their outlook is rosy, the reality is far more dire. Check out our new resource: localprog.org/DataCenters101
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Imagine if everyone had the healthcare, housing, food, education needed to thrive. We have enough to make that a reality. NEW TODAY: a resource from us & @iteptweets on how local electeds can tax the ultrawealthy to fund public goods and vital programs. localprog.org/taxtherichfund…
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Registration for the Local Progress National Convening closes in less than ONE WEEK! Check your email for your unique link to register by Wednesday, May 20. We can’t wait to see you in Baltimore in July!
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It’s #BraveOfUs to lead in moments like these. Lately, we’ve been featuring some of our inspiring, powerful, and brave first-generation immigrant members of LP 💖 Today, the amazing @Javiera4Durham!
An imagine of Javiera Caballero and an accompanying quote.

ALT An imagine of Javiera Caballero and an accompanying quote.
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🗞 DROPPING MAY 18! 🗞 Following historic May Day protests where thousands of working people across the country joined together to call for taxing the rich to fund people’s basic needs, we will be releasing a report on how localities can do just that!
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The recent Supreme Court ruling that gutted the Voting Rights Act is a direct attack on Black voting power in this country. Read our statement 👇 from our two Black Caucus co-chairs.
A black and white graphic, with a colorful border, that contains a statement on the recent VRA SCOTUS decision.

ALT A black and white graphic, with a colorful border, that contains a statement on the recent VRA SCOTUS decision.

A black and white graphic, with a colorful border, that contains a statement on the recent VRA SCOTUS decision.

ALT A black and white graphic, with a colorful border, that contains a statement on the recent VRA SCOTUS decision.
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To win the narrative, we all need to document the Trump Administration’s horrific actions, counter their lies, AND collectively demand our vision for a better future. Check out our newly updated Immigrant Justice Messaging Guide to get started 👇 localprog.org/ImmMessagingGu…
A graphic displaying a group of people protesting with text that says "UPDATED MESSAGING RESOURCE!"

ALT A graphic displaying a group of people protesting with text that says "UPDATED MESSAGING RESOURCE!"
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That’s a wrap on another comms cohort! Last week, we brought 15 LP members (along with a few staffers) to Washington DC, as the grand finale of our second-ever Communications Cohort. A 🧵.
A large group of people posing for a picture and smiling

ALT A large group of people posing for a picture and smiling

A group of people sitting in a room listening to a few people in the back speak

ALT A group of people sitting in a room listening to a few people in the back speak

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School board members across our network are sounding the alarm about the theft of public dollars from our schools. As Fox Chapel School Board member Ariel Zych has seen, the voucher scam is here to take public money away from students and hand it over to greedy corporations.
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Throwing it back to our Housing Convening: Affordable Homes, Stable Communities! Two days of exploring Seattle and strategizing about the housing vision we can build together. Read more at our blog post here: localprog.org/housingconv
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It’s #BraveOfUs to govern WITH our communities. Lately, we’ve been featuring some of our inspiring, powerful, and brave first-generation immigrant members of LP 💖 Today, our INCREDIBLE board member Las Cruces City Councilor Johana Bencomo!
A graphic featuring Johana Bencomo (City Councilor in Las Cruces, NM). There is a quote on the right and an image of her that looks hand-drawn on the left.

ALT A graphic featuring Johana Bencomo (City Councilor in Las Cruces, NM). There is a quote on the right and an image of her that looks hand-drawn on the left.

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Our Local Progress family is grieving the devastating loss of Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen. A statement of grief, love, and solidarity from LP’s Black Caucus.
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Do you want to know more about @saintlouispres' fight to retain local control of her city's police department? Check out the full story and more in our pocket podcast series, "The Preemption Download," below!
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Missed our panel at SXSW? Don't worry - you can hear from all of our panelists directly how all of us can defend democracy at the local level in this critical moment. Watch 👇
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It’s #BraveOfUs to lead in times of crisis. Starting today, we’ll be featuring some of our inspiring, powerful, and brave first-generation immigrant members of LP 💖 First up, our AMAZING board member @gabysantiromero!
This graphic displays an imagine of Gabriela Santiago-Romero paired with a quote.

ALT This graphic displays an imagine of Gabriela Santiago-Romero paired with a quote.

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In the age of growing federal repression, how can local leaders fight back? LP was proud to host a @sxsw panel this year to answer that very question. Joined by @MplsWard9, @KendraPHL, & @VanessaForATX, our panel was a fascinating discussion on strategies & solutions.
A group of four people posing

ALT A group of four people posing

A panel of four people.

ALT A panel of four people.

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No one should be forced to suffer in silence. We stand with every brave person who has come forward to share their story.
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Local Progress will be at SXSW this year! Join us and some of our incredible member leaders on 3/18 for an impactful conversation on how local governments are fighting back against federal tyranny. Check out the session description 👇 for more. bit.ly/4lq46zR
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Introducing our new board member, Antony Dugdale, State & Local Political Director at UNITE HERE International Union! With his background in organizing, communications, corporate research, & politics, we are so excited to have his leadership and vision to build a more just world.
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When FIFA comes to town, our communities often pay the price. For the World Cup to live up to its name, LP members @NicForPhilly, @kendraforphilly, @TeresaCMosqueda, and @JackieFielder_ are demanding that FIFA upholds human rights commitments.
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Only 129 days left until we meet in Baltimore for the Local Progress National Convening! And only a few hours left to take advantage of early bird registration prices. Check your email for the link to register by 11:59 PM Pacific Time TODAY to take advantage of the discount!
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📣LP members & alum leaders📣 Registration is OPEN for our National Convening in Baltimore, MD on July 9-11! We can't wait to strategize, learn, and be in community with our incredible network. Check your email for your invite link to register!
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Congress has until TOMORROW 2/13 to reach an agreement on how and whether to fund DHS. LP members in 5 localities and counting have taken action to say 📣 ICE OUT 📣
A graphic displaying text on the left that reads, "5 localities told Congress: ICE OUT of our communities" and on the left is a map of the US with 5 stars representing the 5 localities: King County, Columbia Heights, Westminster, Burien, and Maywood

ALT A graphic displaying text on the left that reads, "5 localities told Congress: ICE OUT of our communities" and on the left is a map of the US with 5 stars representing the 5 localities: King County, Columbia Heights, Westminster, Burien, and Maywood
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The Trump Administration’s rampage in Minnesota should terrify all of us. NOW is the time to prepare, organize, and take proactive steps to protect your community.
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BREAKING ‼️135+ state & local electeds across 30 states demand that @GovTimWalz allow Minnesota cities to enact eviction moratoriums. As ICE rips families apart, these leaders say families belong at HOME. localprog.org/LPMNEVLetter
A colorful graphic highlight a sign-on letter effort by Local Progress to demand an eviction moratorium in Minnesota

ALT A colorful graphic highlight a sign-on letter effort by Local Progress to demand an eviction moratorium in Minnesota
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Today we’re proud to launch our refreshed program with @repowerorg, the Collaborative Governance Academy! We equip local & state elected officials, staff, & movement leaders with skills, strategy, & shared language to govern collaboratively & courageously. localprog.org/CGA
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