From April 4-6, Local Progress held its first Texas convening in Austin, bringing together more than 80 local elected officials and community and labor partners to learn, strategize, and build progressive power in the state and beyonD.

The convening came at an urgent time for local governments and communities in the state, as the Texas legislature is poised to wage attacks on local democracy through state prohibitions on local policy and revenue raising. To respond to this, Local Progress kicked off the convening with a lobby day and press conference at the state capitol, urging state lawmakers to uphold local democracy. You can read a great piece in the Texas Observer about these efforts to stop state interference.

Throughout the weekend, local elected officials and allies focused on strategizing and learning about topics like transformative public safety, protecting immigrant residents, affordable housing, school finance, environmental justice, and much more. Local Progress also held several interactive training sessions on governing strategies, expanding gender equity policy, and improving communications, and digital media strategy.

Texas is facing many challenges and undoubtedly will face more in the months and years to come. But Local Progress has built a powerful foundation of local leaders committed to making their state a place where everyone can thrive, no matter what you look like or where you come from. Learn more about Local Progress here.