The New York State Progressive Electeds Network (NSPEN) is a newly formed group of 100 progressive elected officials in New York State committed to equitable policy and transformative legislature. NSPEN is the inaugural state affiliate of the national network Local Progress, and is jointly staffed by New York Working Families, Local Progress, and the Center for Popular Democracy (CPD).

In late February, the network convened for an official launch weekend in Albany, bringing together 80 progressive elected officials. Launch highlights included keynote addresses from Thomas P. DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller; Kathy Sheehan, Mayor of Albany; and congressional candidate Zephyr Teachout. Over the weekend, convention attendants discussed a ten-point policy plan central to their “Vision for New York in 2016,” holding substantive policy discussions within eight breakout sessions on issues including “Reimagining Police and Criminal Justice Systems,” “Preserving and Developing Affordable Housing,” “Empowering and Including Immigrant Communities,” and “Progressive Strategies for Budgeting and Taxation.

Workshops such as “Developing the Next Generation of Progressive Leaders” reflect the group’s emphasis on running a strong, inclusive, and sustainable movement that builds on intergenerational talents and energy. NYSPEN members brainstormed over recruitment strategy for getting activists and organizers into elected office and building up more formal and informal support networks among progressive officials. Within and beyond these goals, the group emphasized a crucial and “deep collaboration with strategic institutions that share common values and are accountable to the communities that they serve."

NYSPEN’s progressive leadership spans the political landscape of New York State—visible in its organizing committee membership, which is made up of: Albany Councilmember Dorcey Applyrs, Westchester County Legislator Catherine Borgia, Brookhaven Councilmember Valerie Cartright, Poughkeepsie Councilmember Tracy Hermann, Freeport Village Trustee Carmen Piñeyro, Croton Village Trustee Brian Pugh, and Rochester Councilmember Molly Clifford.

The Center for Popular Democracy is excited to play a role in this formidable network for change. You can get updates by visiting our website and signing up for the latest alerts on our campaigns. 

Read more about NYSPEN and Local Progress.